US Bridges

NC73 over Big Bear Creek

Fair

Stanly County, North Carolina · 0.9 Mi. E. Jct. SR1234 · Structure no. 000000001670021

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC73 over Big Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NC73 over Big Bear Creek in Stanly County, North Carolina. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,200 by 2040. The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC73
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location0.9 Mi. E. Jct. SR1234
RouteState Highway 73
CountyStanly County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.38263, -80.34262
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.3 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2022)
Projected traffic13,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC73 over Big Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC73 over Big Bear 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 2024.

How much traffic does NC73 over Big Bear Creek carry?

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC73 over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NC73 over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.