US Bridges

NC16 over Mcmullen Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 1.6 Mi. S. Jct. SR3585 · Structure no. 000000001190162

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
38,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC16 over Mcmullen Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC16 over Mcmullen Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 38,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 77,000 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesNC16
CrossesMcmullen Creek
Location1.6 Mi. S. Jct. SR3585
RouteState Highway 16
Coordinates35.15988, -80.79959
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 spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,500 (2018)
Projected traffic77,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC16 over Mcmullen Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC16 over Mcmullen 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 Mcmullen Creek carry?

About 38,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC16 over Mcmullen Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns NC16 over Mcmullen Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.