Several North Carolina Bridges Are In Poor Condition

Several North Carolina bridges are in poor condition because they use old outdated materials. These materials may not be very safe either. Most of the bridges over waterways or roads are loaded with steel and concrete. It's what's under the concrete foundations at either end of the bridge that holds outdated material. That material is wood. What the?? Wood holding up a bridge?

The N.C. Department of Transportation considers these bridges as “timber bridges,” according to the News and Observer.  That simply means they have wood somewhere in their structure, and people in cars can't see it. Using wood is pretty much considered an outdated method in road bridge construction. Wood rots too soooo.

With the recent disastrous collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore I was curious in the condition of our North Carolina bridges. According to the NCDOT decade ago, 16.4% of bridges were considered to be in poor condition. That number more recently lands at about 8.4%. More than half the bridges in poor condition contain some wood. No surprise there.

The NCDOT  is currently replacing many of these older "timber bridges" with new ones made totally of concrete and steel. Many of the state's timber bridges are rated in “poor condition.” Timber bridges are all across NC, however most are in the outer counties. It’s no coincidence that those mountain counties also have the highest number of bridges in poor condition, accounting for more than half of the state’s total. “If we’re trying to address the condition of our bridges and improve it, it looks like a big chunk in the western part of the state are these timber bridges,” Brian Hanks, NCDOT’s state structures engineer told the News and Observer.

Bridge conditions are rated with a formula the federal government came up with. Bridges are categorized as "poor, fair or good condition." This may sound familiar as the Key Bridge in Baltimore had a fair rating before it collapsed after a container ship hit it's pillar.  3 key categories are used to decide a bridges current condition. The foundation, the support beams and the deck or the road.

Spring Break is just around the corner and you may be looking for something to do to keep the kids occupied. And what kid (and adult) doesn't love a good theme park outing? And despite what you may think you don't have to go all the way to Florida to have experience the fun. Instead, you should check out one of the 5 closest theme parks to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Listen if you have the time and money I will not talk you out of visiting the Florida parks. I spent New Year's visiting several of the major ones and had a blast. But they are expensive and crowded, especially during times when kids are out of school. So instead, why not plan a visit that's a little closer and perhaps not wall-to-wall crowded?

The 5 closest theme parks to Charlotte of course include one that's local. But also theme parks in the neighboring states of Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia.  Some even have on-site hotels and all are in places that offer more fun than just the theme parks so they will make great destinations to spend a weekend or even the entirety of spring break.

Theme parks also have so much more to offer than just rides. Of course, there are always the roller coasters (and each of these parks has some world-renowned coasters) and kid's rides. Many have waterparks as well. But the 5 closest theme parks to Charlotte also offer a wide array of entertainment, food, and even shopping.

Each of these comes personally recommended by myself (2 of 5) or a trusted friend (2 of 5). All are within a 5.5-hour drive from the city center of Charlotte North Carolina. So give this list a look and have a spring break all your kid's friends will be jealous of!

If you've spent any time in the Carolinas you know our theme park is the closest. Located right on the border (seriously it's in both states) of North and South Carolina is Carowinds. It features both a theme park and waterpark, home to more than 60 rides and attractions from the kid-friendly area of Camp Snoopy to the biggest thrills on Fury 325 and other coasters.

Located in Pigeon Forge Tennesee in the Smoky Mountains is Dolly Parton's Dollywood. It's about a 4-hour drive from Charlotte but whether you decide to spend all your time in the theme park or take in more of what the city has to offer it will be worth the drive! Dollywood offers more than 50 rides, along with entertainment, and award-winning dining. There is also a waterpark and two on-site hotels. 

It's about 4 hours from Charlotte to Atlanta where you'll find Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags is home to some incredible coasters including the new in 2024 Georgia Surfer. In addition to rides for adults and kids alike, you'll find dining, shopping, entertainment, and more.

It's about a four hour and forty-minute drive from Charlotte to Doswell Virginia the home of Kings Dominion. Doswell is just north of Richmond off of I-95. You'll notice some similarities between Kings Dominion and Carowinds as they are sister parks. You'll find 60 rides, shows, attractions, a kids area, and a waterpark.

The farthest destination on this list, but still one worth visiting, is Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This part of Virginia is about 5.5 hours from Charlotte. Enjoy world-class coasters, kid play areas, leisure rides, and more.