US Bridges

I77 over Irwin Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.55 Mi. N. Jct. NC16 · Structure no. 000000001190288

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
75 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
138,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I77 over Irwin Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I77 over Irwin Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 138,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 276,000 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI77
CrossesIrwin Creek
Location0.55 Mi. N. Jct. NC16
RouteInterstate 77
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.25233, -80.84378
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length75 ft (22.8 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 traffic138,000 (2020)
Projected traffic276,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I77 over Irwin Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I77 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I77 over Irwin Creek carry?

About 138,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I77 over Irwin Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns I77 over Irwin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.