US Bridges

US521 over Ut to Mcalpine Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. S. Jct. I485 · Structure no. 000000001190678

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
59,000
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US521 over Ut to Mcalpine Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US521 over Ut to Mcalpine Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 59,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 118,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS521
CrossesUt to Mcalpine Creek
Location0.4 Mi. S. Jct. I485
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.05943, -80.84858
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 inspectionMarch 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic59,000 (2016)
Projected traffic118,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 US521 over Ut to Mcalpine Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US521 over Ut to Mcalpine 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US521 over Ut to Mcalpine Creek carry?

About 59,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US521 over Ut to Mcalpine Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US521 over Ut to Mcalpine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.