US Bridges

NC73 over Clarks Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, North Carolina · 1.2 Mi. E. Jct. SR1111 · Structure no. 000000001230025

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC73 over Clarks Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NC73 over Clarks Creek in Montgomery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 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 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,200 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC73
CrossesClarks Creek
Location1.2 Mi. E. Jct. SR1111
RouteState Highway 73
CountyMontgomery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.23589, -80.02235
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJune 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2021)
Projected traffic5,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC73 over Clarks Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC73 over Clarks 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC73 over Clarks Creek carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC73 over Clarks Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m).

Who owns NC73 over Clarks Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.