US Bridges

NC80 over Lake Tahoma

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · 100 FT.S.JCT.SR1436 · Structure no. 000000001110023

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
149 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
950
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC80 over Lake Tahoma is a concrete tee beam carrying NC80 over Lake Tahoma in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 950 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2040. The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC80
CrossesLake Tahoma
Location100 FT.S.JCT.SR1436
RouteState Highway 80
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.72805, -82.09236
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length149 ft (45.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2022)
Projected traffic1,900 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 NC80 over Lake Tahoma built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC80 over Lake Tahoma 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does NC80 over Lake Tahoma carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC80 over Lake Tahoma?

The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns NC80 over Lake Tahoma?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.