US Bridges

US221 over Catheys Creek

Good

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR1529 · Structure no. 000000001610099

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
62 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 over Catheys Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US221 over Catheys Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,200 by 2040. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS221
CrossesCatheys Creek
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1529
RouteU.S. Route 221
Coordinates35.45898, -81.97905
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length62 ft (18.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2021)
Projected traffic9,200 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 over Catheys Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 over Catheys Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does US221 over Catheys Creek carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US221 over Catheys Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US221 over Catheys Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.