US Bridges

NC160 over Irwin Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 100 Ft. S. Jct. I77 · Structure no. 000000001190089

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC160 over Irwin Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC160 over Irwin Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 75 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC160
CrossesIrwin Creek
Location100 Ft. S. Jct. I77
RouteState Highway 160
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.21794, -80.87259
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2018)
Projected traffic30,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 NC160 over Irwin Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is NC160 over Irwin 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does NC160 over Irwin Creek carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC160 over Irwin Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns NC160 over Irwin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.