US Bridges

NC16 over Fourmile Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.46 Mi. N. JCT.SR4026 · Structure no. 000000001190110

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
38,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC16 over Fourmile Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC16 over Fourmile Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 94 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 38,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 76,000 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC16
CrossesFourmile Creek
Location0.46 Mi. N. JCT.SR4026
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.08836, -80.77492
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,000 (2018)
Projected traffic76,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 NC16 over Fourmile Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is NC16 over Fourmile 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does NC16 over Fourmile Creek carry?

About 38,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC16 over Fourmile Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NC16 over Fourmile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.