US Bridges

NC73 over Mcdowell Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR2316 · Structure no. 000000001190683

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC73 over Mcdowell Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC73 over Mcdowell 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 6 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 27,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,500 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC73
CrossesMcdowell Creek
Location0.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR2316
RouteState Highway 73
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.44305, -80.87768
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating67.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length29 ft (8.8 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 traffic27,500 (2020)
Projected traffic49,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 NC73 over Mcdowell Creek built?

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

What condition is NC73 over Mcdowell 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NC73 over Mcdowell Creek carry?

About 27,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC73 over Mcdowell Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NC73 over Mcdowell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.