US Bridges

NC273 over Dutchmans Creek

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.03 Mi. N. Jct. NC27 · Structure no. 000000000710356

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
243 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC273 over Dutchmans Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC273 over Dutchmans Creek in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 6 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 243 ft (74 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC273
CrossesDutchmans Creek
Location0.03 Mi. N. Jct. NC27
RouteState Highway 273
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.29804, -81.0125
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length243 ft (74 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width59 ft (17.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2022)
Projected traffic30,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC273 over Dutchmans Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC273 over Dutchmans 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does NC273 over Dutchmans Creek carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC273 over Dutchmans Creek?

The structure is 243 ft (74 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns NC273 over Dutchmans Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.