US Bridges

US601 over Irish Buffalo Creek

Fair

Cabarrus County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1351 · Structure no. 000000000250100

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US601 over Irish Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US601 over Irish Buffalo Creek in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 14,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,000 by 2040. The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS601
CrossesIrish Buffalo Creek
Location0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1351
RouteU.S. Route 601
CountyCabarrus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.38121, -80.57314
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length165 ft (50.2 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,500 (2022)
Projected traffic29,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US601 over Irish Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US601 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US601 over Irish Buffalo Creek carry?

About 14,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US601 over Irish Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US601 over Irish Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.