US Bridges

NC16 Sbl over Catawba River

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.87 Mi. N. Jct. SR2253 · Structure no. 000000001190541

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,087 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
18,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC16 Sbl over Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC16 Sbl over Catawba River in Mecklenburg 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 6 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 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,000 by 2040. The structure is 1,087 ft (331.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC16 Sbl
CrossesCatawba River
Location0.87 Mi. N. Jct. SR2253
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.35025, -80.97267
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,087 ft (331.3 m)
Longest span204 ft (62.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (2020)
Projected traffic36,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 NC16 Sbl over Catawba River built?

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

What condition is NC16 Sbl over 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NC16 Sbl over Catawba River carry?

About 18,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC16 Sbl over Catawba River?

The structure is 1,087 ft (331.3 m) long with a longest span of 204 ft (62.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NC16 Sbl over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.