US Bridges

NC80 over Buck Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .4 MI.N.JCT.SR1437 · Structure no. 000000001110083

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
950
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC80 over Buck Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC80 over Buck Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 950 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2040. The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC80
CrossesBuck Creek
Location.4 MI.N.JCT.SR1437
RouteState Highway 80
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.7384, -82.13479
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length115 ft (35 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC80 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC80 over Buck 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 NC80 over Buck Creek carry?

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

How long is NC80 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NC80 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.