Carolina Lost: High Shoals - South Forrk River Crossing

Carolina Lost: High Shoals - South Fork River Crossing

The Former High Shoals/South Fork River Crossing

What: Bridge over South Fork River
Where: High Shoals, Gaston County
Accessibility: Very Easy

In the small North Gaston County town of High Shoals, four bridges cross the South Fork River. One of them sits along old highway 321, modern day US 321 Business, and is no longer in service. Directly downriver from it sits a modern two lane span carrying Business 321. About 1/4 mile upriver, dual spans carry a high-speed US 321 from Gastonia and points south to Hickory and points north.

The abandoned steel truss bridge was built in 1931 and carried traffic for over 50 years. It still stands today, more than likely used by local fishermen. It is unknown if a prior structure existed crossing the South Fork.

Below photos of the old bridge:
(Note: Color Photos Taken by Steven Duckworth; Black & White by William Lawson. Photos taken may 25, 2003)

Looking North towards High Shoals.	The Bridge consists of two steel arches.	Looking South Towards Dallas.
North Towards High Shoals.	The bridge after a brief thunderstorm.	South Towards Dallas.
Looking Upriver towards the US 321 Freeway.	Concrete Right-of-Way Marker.	Builders Plaque on South entrance to bridge.
Looking Upriver as storm clouds flee.	The steel superstructure of the bridge.	View from groundlevel looking north.