US Bridges

US70 over Mackey Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · 50 FT.W.JCT.SR1413 · Structure no. 000000001110058

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
77 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Mackey Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US70 over Mackey Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,000 by 2040. The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesMackey Creek
Location50 FT.W.JCT.SR1413
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.67014, -82.11467
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length77 ft (23.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2022)
Projected traffic17,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 US70 over Mackey Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 over Mackey 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US70 over Mackey Creek carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Mackey Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns US70 over Mackey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.