US Bridges

US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .3 MI.N.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000001110356

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
325 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 325 ft (99 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS221 NC22
CrossesUt to Catawba River
Location.3 MI.N.JCT.US70
RouteU.S. Route 221
Coordinates35.70989, -82.03702
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.9 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length325 ft (99 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.1 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2022)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River?

The structure is 325 ft (99 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns US221 NC22 over Ut to Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.