US Bridges

NC49 over Little Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Cabarrus County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR2444 · Structure no. 000000000250118

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
79 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC49 over Little Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NC49 over Little Buffalo Creek in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 7,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2040. The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC49
CrossesLittle Buffalo Creek
Location0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR2444
RouteState Highway 49
CountyCabarrus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.43414, -80.39875
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length79 ft (24 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,500 (2022)
Projected traffic15,000 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC49 over Little Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC49 over Little 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does NC49 over Little Buffalo Creek carry?

About 7,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is NC49 over Little Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NC49 over Little Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.