US Bridges

NC73 over Threemile Branch Creek

Fair

Cabarrus County, North Carolina · 0.05 MI.W.JCT.NC136 · Structure no. 000000000250093

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC73 over Threemile Branch Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC73 over Threemile Branch Creek in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,200 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC73
CrossesThreemile Branch Creek
Location0.05 MI.W.JCT.NC136
RouteState Highway 73
CountyCabarrus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.41027, -80.56842
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2020)
Projected traffic13,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Threemile Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC73 over Threemile Branch 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 Threemile Branch Creek carry?

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC73 over Threemile Branch Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC73 over Threemile Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.