US Bridges

NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek

Fair

Cabarrus County, North Carolina · 1.0 Mi. E. Jct. SR1429 · Structure no. 000000000250081

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 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 18,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,000 by 2040. The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC73
CrossesIrish Buffalo Creek
Location1.0 Mi. E. Jct. SR1429
RouteState Highway 73
CountyCabarrus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.43376, -80.63401
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length160 ft (48.7 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,500 (2018)
Projected traffic37,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
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 NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek carry?

About 18,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC73 over Irish Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.