US Bridges

NC73 over Forney Creek

Fair

Lincoln County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. E. Jct. SR1386 · Structure no. 000000001090041

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC73 over Forney Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC73 over Forney Creek in Lincoln County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 57 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 29,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 59,000 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesNC73
CrossesForney Creek
Location0.6 Mi. E. Jct. SR1386
RouteState Highway 73
Coordinates35.45122, -81.01006
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,500 (2021)
Projected traffic59,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
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 Forney Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is NC73 over Forney 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NC73 over Forney Creek carry?

About 29,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is NC73 over Forney Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC73 over Forney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.