{{Short description|State highway in North Carolina, US}} {{Redirect|NC 16|the album ''NC 16'' by By2|By2 discography}} {{Use American English|date=April 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox road |state=NC |type=NC |route=16 |map=NC 16 map.svg |map_notes=Route of NC 16 highlighted in red |length_mi=143.8 |length_ref=<ref name="google">{{google maps|url=https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=N+Broome+St&daddr=35.13727,-80.78345+to:35.23183,-80.83342+to:35.491347,-81.0146798+to:36.03924,-81.17893+to:N+Carolina+16+S&hl=en&geocode=FbDoFAIdMvMv-w%3BFfYmGAIdplcv-ymFOhC5yCBUiDGTLehw8gtMBw%3BFVaYGQIddJQu-ymBqK13PaBWiDGcQCEj5oHTKA%3BFROOHQIdadAr-ynXHlGsILJWiDGwrBsvSjyY8Q%3BFUjqJQIdzk4p-ymnLUI_QxNRiDEc_2xSytqU7g%3BFfYYLgIdevYl-w&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4&sll=35.101934,-80.691833&sspn=0.419637,0.891953&ie=UTF8&ll=35.773258,-80.304565&spn=3.328915,7.13562&z=8|title=NC 16|access-date=February 1, 2011}}</ref> |direction_a=South |direction_b=North |terminus_a ={{jct|state=NC|NC|75}} in Waxhaw |terminus_b ={{jct|state=VA|SR|16}} at the Virginia state line near Grassy Creek |junction={{plainlist|1= *{{jct|state=NC|I|485}} in Charlotte (twice) *{{jct|state=NC|I|277|US|74|NC|27}} in Charlotte *{{jct|state=NC|I|77|US|21}} in Charlotte *{{jct|state=NC|I|85}} in Charlotte *{{jct|state=NC|I|40}} in Conover *{{jct|state=NC|US|70}} in Conover *{{jct|state=NC|US|64}} in Taylorsville *{{jct|state=NC|US|421|NC|18}} in Wilkesboro *{{jct|state=NC|US|221|NC|88}} near Jefferson }} |counties=Union, Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Alexander, Wilkes, Ashe |established=1921 |previous_type=US |previous_route=15 |next_type=US |next_route=17 }} '''North Carolina Highway&nbsp;16''' ('''NC&nbsp;16''') is a 143.8-mile (231.4&nbsp;km) primary state highway in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Traveling in a north&ndash;south direction, it connects the cities and towns of Charlotte, Newton, Conover, Taylorsville, Wilkesboro and Jefferson, linking the Charlotte metropolitan area with the mountainous High Country. NC&nbsp;16 is part of a three-state route 16 that connects the Charlotte region with northwestern West Virginia.

==Route description== NC&nbsp;16 is part of a three-state highway 16, that totals {{convert|475|mi|km}}, from Waxhaw, North Carolina to St. Marys, West Virginia.

NC&nbsp;16 begins as a two-lane road in Waxhaw, from its intersection with NC&nbsp;75 (Main Street), it travels north along Broome Street to Weddington, where it widens to four-lane and becomes Providence Road. After crossing the Union-Mecklenburg county line, it enters Charlotte's city limit. Along Providence Road, NC&nbsp;16 connects with I-485 (exit 57) and NC&nbsp;51 (Pineville-Matthews Road). In the Cherry neighborhood, Providence Road becomes 3rd Street; at the intersection of Charlottetowne Avenue, northbound NC&nbsp;16 changes over to 4th Street, while southbound remains on 3rd Street. As NC&nbsp;16 enters Uptown Charlotte, it merges with I-277/US&nbsp;74 (John Belk Freeway, exit&nbsp;2A); southbound travelers will encounter an awkward u-turn at 3rd Street to get on over to 4th Street. Going counter-clockwise around Uptown Charlotte, John Belk Freeway becomes Brookshire Freeway (with US 74 leaving to follow Independence Boulevard out of the city); at the I-77/US&nbsp;21 interchange (exit&nbsp;5/exit&nbsp;11), NC&nbsp;16's concurrency with I-277 ends and the highway becomes Brookshire Boulevard. In the Oakview Terrace neighborhood, NC&nbsp;16 connects with I-85 (exit&nbsp;36). In the Paw Creek neighborhood, NC&nbsp;16 connects again with I-485 (exit&nbsp;16) before leaving the Charlotte city limits. In this vicinity, NC 16 becomes expressway standard, crossing the Rozzelles Ferry Bridge over Mountain Island Lake/Catawba River, also entering into Gaston County.<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Union_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Union County, North Carolina |date= December 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= December 20, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151220130507/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Union_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Mecklenburg_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_Web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Mecklenburg County, North Carolina |date= August 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= September 11, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150911001245/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Mecklenburg_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_Web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

In Lucia, NC&nbsp;16 Business splits from mainline NC&nbsp;16, where it travels {{convert|16.2|mi|km}} through Lowesville, Triangle and Denver, before merging back at Chronicle. NC&nbsp;16 through Gaston, Lincoln and southeast Catawba County features the superstreet design with some at-grade intersections. Speed limit is {{convert|65|mph}} on this portion of highway. Entering into the Killian Crossroads going to Newton, NC&nbsp;16 drops to {{convert|55|mph}}. Also heading towards Newton, NC&nbsp;16 Business splits and follows the old alignment through downtown Newton and Conover, while mainline NC&nbsp;16 travels along a four-lane bypass east of both cities. After crossing I-40 (exit&nbsp;132), NC&nbsp;16 Business rejoins mainline NC&nbsp;16, continuing north as a two-lane rural highway. At Lookout Shoals Lake/Catawba River, NC&nbsp;16 enters Alexander County.<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Gaston_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Gaston County, North Carolina |date= November 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= December 20, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151220192553/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Gaston_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Lincoln_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Lincoln County, North Carolina |date= November 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 4, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201152/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Lincoln_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Catawba_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Catawba County, North Carolina |date= November 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= December 20, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151220194800/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Catawba_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

Traveling through Millersville and Isenhour Park, NC&nbsp;16 connects with US&nbsp;64 and NC&nbsp;90 in Taylorsville. Continuing north, the highway meanders through the Brushy Mountains, entering Wilkes County at Kilby Gap ({{convert|1657|ft|m}}). At Moravian Falls, NC&nbsp;18 merges with NC&nbsp;16 as the highway straightens out towards Wilkesboro. At US&nbsp;421 (exit&nbsp;286A), switches concurrency as NC&nbsp;18 continues into downtown Wilkesboro. After {{convert|4|mi|km}}, NC&nbsp;16 splits with US&nbsp;421, which continues towards Boone. In a northwesterly direction, NC&nbsp;16 travels through Millers Creek and Wilbar before ascending along Piney Ridge and entering Ashe County at Horse Gap ({{convert|3110|ft|m}}, highest point along route).<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Alexander_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Alexander County, North Carolina |date= November 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 5, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305061711/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Alexander_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Wilkes_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Wilkes County, North Carolina |date= September 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 4, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204052/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Wilkes_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

Immediately entering Ashe County is the Blue Ridge Parkway followed by NC&nbsp;163 towards West Jefferson. Continuing north, through Glendale Springs, NC&nbsp;16 joins NC&nbsp;88 in Index, then goes northeasterly to Jefferson, where it switches concurrency with US&nbsp;221. After {{convert|1.32|mi|km}}, NC&nbsp;16 splits from US&nbsp;221, which continues on towards Sparta. Continuing {{convert|12|mi|km}} north, it reaches the Virginia state line near Grassy Creek, where it continues on as SR&nbsp;16, towards Mouth of Wilson.<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Ashe_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |format= PDF |title= Ashe County, North Carolina |date= September 2015 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= December 20, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151220191828/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/PDFs/Ashe_CountyMap_Sheet01_Final_web.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

==History== right|thumb|NC&nbsp;16's southern terminus in Waxhaw NC&nbsp;16 was established in 1921 as an original state highway, traveling from SC&nbsp;16, at the South Carolina state line, north through Gastonia, Dallas and Lincolnton, to NC&nbsp;10, in Conover.<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Highway Commission |url= http://dotw-xfer01.dot.state.nc.us/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1922.pdf |format= PDF |title= State Highway System of North Carolina |cartography= NCSHC |year= 1922 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= June 23, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220623143924/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1922.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 1926, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted along Aspen Street in Lincolnton towards High Shoals, removing it from a short concurrency with NC&nbsp;27 to Boger City. In 1929, NC&nbsp;16 was extended north through Taylorsville and Wilkesboro, replacing NC&nbsp;67; then northwest through Jefferson and then west to the Tennessee state lane, replacing NC&nbsp;68. In 1930, US&nbsp;321 was assigned onto NC&nbsp;16 between the South Carolina state line to Conover.<ref name=1930map>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Highway Commission |url= http://dotw-xfer01.dot.state.nc.us/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1930.pdf |format= PDF |title= State Highway System of North Carolina |cartography= NCSHC |year= 1930 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= June 23, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220623143924/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1930.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Tax Commission |url= http://dotw-xfer01.dot.state.nc.us/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1930_county_maps.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina County Road Survey 1930 |cartography= NCSHC / NCSTC / U.S. Bureau of Public Roads |year= 1930 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= June 23, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220623143924/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1930_county_maps.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 1934, NC&nbsp;16 was truncated at US&nbsp;64/US&nbsp;70/US&nbsp;321, in Conover; its former routing south replaced by US&nbsp;321.<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Tax Commission |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1936_county_maps.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina County Road Survey 1936 |cartography= NCSHC / NCSTC / U.S. Bureau of Public Roads |year= 1936 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 6, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306230246/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1936_county_maps.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 1937, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted to its current alignment between Millers Creek and Glendale Springs, leaving behind secondary roads Old North Carolina Highway 16 (SR&nbsp;1562 and SR&nbsp;1559 in Wilkes County, SR&nbsp;1648 in Ashe County) and Trading Post Road (SR&nbsp;1632). Around 1940, NC&nbsp;16 was extended south of Conover, via US&nbsp;321 to Newton, then southeast through Denver and Charlotte, to its current southern terminus at NC&nbsp;75, in Waxhaw; the new routing replaced part of NC&nbsp;73 and all of NC&nbsp;271 and NC&nbsp;262. In 1940, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted to its current northern terminus at the Virginia state line, in Grassy Creek, with continuation as SR&nbsp;92 to Mouth of Wilson. Its old alignment, through Jefferson, to the Tennessee state line was replaced by NC&nbsp;88; while NC&nbsp;16 replaced all of NC&nbsp;681.<ref name=1940map>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Highway and Public Works Commission |url= http://dotw-xfer01.dot.state.nc.us/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1940.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina Primary Highway System |cartography= NCSHC |year= 1940 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= November 10, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211110092355/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1940.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 1954, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted in Wilkesboro, going west on NC&nbsp;268 and then on new primary road bypassing west of North Wilkesboro. Its old alignment to North Wilkesboro continued on as NC&nbsp;18; while Boone Trail (SR&nbsp;1500), to Cricket, was downgraded.<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Highway Commission |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1957_county_maps.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina County Road Survey 1957 |cartography= NCSHC / U.S. Bureau of Public Roads |year= 1957 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 6, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306033728/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1957_county_maps.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 1958, NC&nbsp;16 was placed on new primary road west from its former alignment, Old North Carolina Highway 16 (SR&nbsp;1573), bypassing Crumpler and Grassy Creek.<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Highway and Public Works Commission |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1960.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina Primary Highway System |cartography= NCSHC |year= 1960 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 5, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305085014/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTStateTravelMapHistoric/STM1960.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 1962, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted, in Charlotte, along Hawthorne Lane from Casewell Street.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1962_11_29.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1962-11-29) |date= November 29, 1962 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= January 27, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170127000555/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1962_11_29.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 1969, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted onto the new bypass route east of Moravian Falls; then added onto new US&nbsp;421 bypass, in Wilkesboro, going west {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} then onto new primary routing north to Millers Creek. The old alignment through Cricket were downgraded to secondary roads: Curtis Bridge Road (SR&nbsp;1185) and Boone Trail (SR&nbsp;1372).<ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina State Highway Commission |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1968_county_maps.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina County Road Survey 1968 |cartography= NCSHC / U.S. Bureau of Public Roads |year= 1968 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 6, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306033417/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1968_county_maps.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1969_11_06.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1969-11-06) |date= November 6, 1969 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 4, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063024/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1969_11_06.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 1970, NC&nbsp;16 was converted to one-way streets in Newton, with northbound on College Avenue and southbound on Main Street.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1970_05_07.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1970-05-07) |date= May 7, 1970 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= February 7, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170207131153/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1970_05_07.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 1974, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted, from Trade Street, onto North Graham Street then northwest onto the Northwest Freeway (future Brookshire Freeway); its old alignment along West Trade Street and Rozzelles Ferry Road were downgraded to secondary roads.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1974_08_01.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1974-08-01) |date= August 1, 1974 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= January 27, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170127001545/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1974_08_01.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 1977, NC&nbsp;16 was converted to one-way streets, with northbound along third street and Independence Boulevard, and southbound along Elizabeth Avenue and Hawthorne Lane.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/Route%20Changes/NC16_19771201.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1977-12-01) |date= December 1, 1977 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= February 3, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170203130916/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/Route%20Changes/NC16_19771201.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> <ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1980_county_maps.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina Department of Transportation 1980 County Road Maps |cartography= NCDOT / USDOT |year= 1980 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 17, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160317042122/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1980_county_maps.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> Final configuration of NC&nbsp;16 in Uptown Charlotte came in 1982, with its removal along Hawthorne Lane, Elizabeth Avenue and Trade Street, rerouted along 3rd/4th streets onto the John Belk Freeway then north on the Brookshire Freeway.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1982_01_01.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1982-01-01) |date= January 1, 1982 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 4, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095107/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1982_01_01.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 1989, NC&nbsp;16 was rerouted onto new Brookshire Boulevard in northwest Mecklenburg County; its former alignment along BellHaven Boulevard and Rozzelles Ferry Road were downgraded to secondary roads.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1989_06_05.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1989-06-05) |date= June 5, 1989 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= December 30, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161230123649/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/1989_06_05.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1990_county_maps.pdf |format= PDF |title= North Carolina Department of Transportation 1990 County Road Maps |cartography= NCDOT / USDOT |year= 1990 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= March 17, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160317033514/https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/imgdot/DOTCountyMaps/historic/1990_county_maps.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 1990, NC&nbsp;16 was placed on new four-lane expressway between Mountain Island Lake and Lucia; part of its old alignment was downgraded to secondary road, while NC&nbsp;273 was extended along most of it.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/Route%20Changes/NC16_19901022.pdf |format= PDF |title= Route Change (1990-10-22) |date= October 22, 1990 |access-date= February 27, 2016 |archive-date= February 16, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170216235430/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/Route%20Changes/NC16_19901022.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 2007, NC&nbsp;16 was extended on new four-lane freeway between Lucia and NC&nbsp;73; its old alignment through Lowesville become NC&nbsp;16 Business.<ref name=2007change>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2007_12_05.pdf |format= PDF |title= NC 16 Route Change (2007-12-05) |date= December 5, 2007 |access-date= December 1, 2013 |archive-date= December 29, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121229193104/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2007_12_05.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> In 2008, NC&nbsp;16 was placed on new four-lane boulevard bypass east of Newton; its old alignment becomes the second NC&nbsp;16 Business loop.<ref name=2008change>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2008_01_23.pdf |format= PDF |title= NC Route Change (2008-01-23) |date= January 23, 2008 |access-date= December 1, 2013 |archive-date= December 29, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121229193031/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2008_01_23.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 2012, NC&nbsp;16 was placed on new {{convert|10.5|mi|km|adj=on}} four-lane expressway, from NC&nbsp;73 to Killian Crossroads; its old alignment through Denver becomes an extension of NC&nbsp;16 Business from Lowesville.<ref name=2012change>{{cite web |publisher= North Carolina Department of Transportation |url= https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2012_03_01.pdf |format= PDF |title= NC 16 Route Change (2012-03-01) |date= March 1, 2012 |access-date= December 1, 2013 |archive-date= December 29, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121229193040/https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/Route%20Changes/2012_03_01.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>

===North Carolina Highway 262=== {{Infobox road small |state=NC |type=NC 1945 |route=262 |location=Waxhaw&ndash;Charlotte |formed=1930 |deleted=1940 |length_mi=22.4 |length_ref=<ref>{{google maps|url=https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=N+Broome+St&daddr=N+McDowell+St&hl=en&ll=35.081146,-80.668488&spn=0.48942,0.891953&sll=35.215121,-80.833025&sspn=0.030539,0.055747&geocode=FcLoFAIdMfMv-w%3BFaVzGQIdBZou-w&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=15&t=p&z=11|title=North Carolina Highway 262|access-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref> }} North Carolina Highway 262 ('''NC&nbsp;262''') appeared in 1930 as new primary routing from NC&nbsp;25, in Waxhaw, to US&nbsp;74/NC&nbsp;20 (7th Street), in Charlotte.<ref name=1930map/> In 1940, it was entirely replaced by an extension of NC&nbsp;16.<ref name=1940map/> {{Clear}}

===North Carolina Highway 271=== {{infobox road small |state=NC |type=NC 1945 |route=271 |location=Thrift&ndash;Charlotte |formed=1926 |deleted=1940 }} '''North Carolina Highway&nbsp;271''' ('''NC&nbsp;271''') appeared in 1926 running from Thrift to NC&nbsp;20 near Charlotte.<ref name=1930map/> In 1931 the road was extended north to NC&nbsp;10 in Newton. The next year the original section of NC&nbsp;271 was renumbered as part NC&nbsp;27A. Two years later NC&nbsp;271 was truncated to Triangle with the routing from Triangle to Newton becoming a part of NC&nbsp;73. In 1940 the rest of the road was renumbered as part of NC&nbsp;16.<ref name=1940map/> {{Clear}}

===North Carolina Highway 681=== {{infobox road small |state=NC |type=NC 1945 |route=681 |location=Jefferson&ndash;VA state line |formed=1928 |deleted=1940 }} '''North Carolina Highway 681''' ('''NC&nbsp;681''') was established in 1928 as a renumbering of part of NC&nbsp;68; traveling from NC&nbsp;68/NC&nbsp;69, in Jefferson, to the Virginia state line, at Grassy Creek.<ref name=1930map/> In 1931, Virginia established SR&nbsp;139 to connect with NC&nbsp;681 at the state line, which continued to Mouth of Wilson. In 1940, the route was decommissioned in favor of NC&nbsp;16.<ref name=1940map/> {{Clear}}

==Major intersections== {{jcttop|state=NC|length_ref=<ref name="google"/>}} {{NCint |county=Union |cspan=3 |location=Waxhaw |mile=0.0 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|75|name1=Main Street|city1=Monroe|location2=Lancaster}} |notes=Southern terminus}} {{NCint |location=Weddington |lspan=2 |mile=6.5 |road=Rea Road }} {{NCint |mile=7.2 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|84|dir1=east|name1=Weddington Road|city1=Monroe}} |notes=Western terminus of NC&nbsp;84}} {{NCint |county=Mecklenburg |cspan=13 |location=Charlotte |lspan=12 |mile=9.9 |road={{jct|state=NC|I|485|name1=Governor James G. Martin Freeway|city1=Matthews|city2=Pineville}} |notes=I-485 exit 16 }} {{NCint|mile=10.0|road=Ballantyne Commons Parkway (west side) McKee Road (east side)}} {{NCint |mile=12.8 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|51|name1=Pineville-Matthews Road}} }} {{NCint|mile=16.8|road=Fairview Road (west side) Sardis Road (east side)}} {{NCint|mile=18.8|road=S Wendover Road}} {{NCint |type=concur |mile=22.0 |road={{jct|state=NC|I|277|US|74|NC|27|dir1=south|dir2=west|dir3=west|name3=John Belk Freeway}} |notes=South end of I-277 and west end of US&nbsp;74 / NC&nbsp;27 overlap }} {{NCint |place=NC&nbsp;16 overlaps with Interstate 277 (exits 2A to 5) }} {{NCint |type=concur |mile=24.4 |road={{jct|state=NC|I|77|US|21|I|277|name2=Bill Lee Freeway|dir3=ends|city1=Statesville|location2=Columbia}} |notes=North end of I-277 overlap }} {{NCint |mile=25.0 |road=Beatties Ford Road&ndash;&ndash; Johnson C. Smith University }} {{NCint |mile=26.6 |road={{jct|state=NC|I|85|city1=Concord|city2=Gastonia}} }} {{NCint |mile=32.2 |road={{jct|state=NC|I|485|name1=Craig Lawing Freeway|city1=Huntersville|city2=Pineville}} |notes=I-485 exit 57 }} {{NCint |mile=32.5 |road=Mount Holly–Huntersville Road |notes=Continuous-flow intersection}} {{jctbridge |location_special=Mountain Island Lake |mile=34.8 |bridge=Rozzelles Ferry Bridge}} {{NCint |county=Gaston |location=Lucia |mile=37.6 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC-Bus|16|NC|273|dir1=north|dab1=Lowesville|to2=to|name1=Lucia Riverbend Highway}} }} {{NCint |county=Lincoln |location=Lowesville |mile=42.5 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|73|city1=Lincolnton|city2=Huntersville}} }} {{NCint |county=Catawba |cspan=7 |location=none |mile=51.1 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|150|city1=Lincolnton|city2=Mooresville}} }} {{NCint |location=none |mile=53.0 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC-Bus|16|dir1=south|dab1=Lowesville|city1=Denver}} }} {{NCint |location=none |mile=61.6 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC-Bus|16|dir1=north|dab1=Newton|city1=Newton}} }} {{NCint |location=none |mile=62.5 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|10|city1=Newton}} }} {{NCint |location=Conover |lspan=3 |mile=65.5 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|70|name1=Conover Boulevard|city1=Conover}} }} {{NCint |mile=67.0 |road={{jct|state=NC|I|40|city1=Statesville|city2=Hickory}} }} {{NCint |mile=67.2 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC-Bus|16|dir1=south|dab1=Conover|name1=1st Avenue|city1=Conover}} }} {{NCint |county=Alexander |cspan=3 |location=Taylorsville |lspan=3 |mile=81.2 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|64|city1=Statesville|city2=Lenoir}} }} {{NCint |type=concur |mile=82.2 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|90|name1=Main Street|city1=Statesville}} |notes=East end of NC&nbsp;90 overlap}} {{NCint |type=concur |mile=82.7 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|90|name1=Main Street|city1=Lenoir}} |notes=West end of NC&nbsp;90 overlap}} {{NCint |county=Wilkes |cspan=5 |location=Moravian Falls |type=concur |mile=96.3 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|18|dir1=south|city1=Lenoir}} |notes=South end of NC&nbsp;18 overlap}} {{NCint |location=Wilkesboro |lspan=4 |type=concur |mile=99.4 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|421|NC|18|dir1=south|dir2=north|city1=Winston-Salem|city2=Wilkesboro}} |notes=South end of US&nbsp;421 and north end of NC&nbsp;18 overlaps}} {{NCint |mile=100.3 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|268|location1=Wilkesboro Downtown}} |notes=To Wilkes Community College and W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir}} {{NCint |mile=101.3 |road={{jct|state=NC|US-Bus|421|dab1=North Wilkesboro|dir1=south|name1=Curtis Bridge Road|city1=North Wilkesboro}} }} {{NCint |type=concur |mile=103.9 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|421|dir1=north|city1=Boone}} |notes=North end of US&nbsp;421 overlap}} {{NCint |county=Ashe |cspan=6 |location=none |mile=119.8 |road={{jct|state=NC|BRP}} }} {{NCint |location=none |mile=120.2 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|163|dir1=west|city1=West Jefferson}} }} {{NCint |location=Index |type=concur |mile=126.7 |road={{jct|state=NC|NC|88|dir1=east|city1=Sparta}} |notes=East end of NC&nbsp;88 overlap}} {{NCint |location=Jefferson |type=concur |mile=129.8 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|221|NC|88|dir1=south|dir2=west|city1=Jefferson}} |notes=South end of US&nbsp;221 and west end of NC&nbsp;88 overlaps}} {{NCint |location=none |type=concur |mile=131.2 |road={{jct|state=NC|US|221|dir1=north|city1=Sparta}} |notes=North end of US&nbsp;221 overlap}} {{NCint |location=Grassy Creek |ctdab=Ashe |mile=143.8 |road={{jct|state=VA|SR|16|dir1=north|name1=Jefferson Highway|city1=Mouth of Wilson}} |notes=Continuation to Virginia}} {{Jctbtm|keys=concur}}

==Special routes== ===Lowesville–Denver business loop=== {{infobox road small |state=NC |type=NC-Bus |route=16 |location=Lucia&ndash;Killian Crossroads, NC |formed=2007 |length_mi=16.2 |length_round=1 |length_ref=<ref>{{google maps|url=https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=35.5300482,-81.0250979+to:NC-16+Business+N&hl=en&ll=35.478565,-80.992928&spn=0.243513,0.445976&sll=35.576725,-81.070325&sspn=0.015201,0.027874&geocode=Fa7lGwIdUgcs-w%3BFUAlHgIdt6cr-ynlOYwRUbJWiDFbKWmVrvwbGg%3BFSvfHgIdQuYq-w&mra=dme&mrsp=2&sz=16&via=1&t=p&z=12|title=NC 16 Business - Lowesville-Denver, North Carolina|access-date=December 1, 2013}}</ref> }}

'''North Carolina Highway&nbsp;16 Business''' ('''NC&nbsp;16 Bus''') was established in December 2007 when NC&nbsp;16 was placed on new construction between Lucia and Lowesville, its old alignment becoming a business loop. In March 2012, NC&nbsp;16 Business was extended north to its current terminus at Anderson Mountain, north of Killian Crossroads, after mainline NC&nbsp;16 was moved onto new construction bypassing Denver. NC&nbsp;16 Business also connects the communities of Triangle and Westport, along the western banks of Lake Norman.<ref name=2007change/><ref name=2012change/> {{Clear}}

===Newton–Conover business loop=== {{infobox road small |state=NC |type=NC-Bus |route=16 |location=Newton&ndash;Conover, NC |formed=2008 |length_mi=6.6 |length_round=1 |length_ref=<ref>{{google maps|url=https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=NC-16+S%2FNC-16+Business+S&daddr=35.6598664,-81.2217949+to:35.703032,-81.2204112+to:Unknown+road&hl=en&ll=35.683932,-81.185017&spn=0.121445,0.222988&sll=35.659981,-81.222294&sspn=0.003814,0.006968&geocode=FYr6HwId-Qcp-w%3BFVogIAIdXqco-ymr8xB8RzRRiDGb1NEwlnalwA%3BFfjIIAIdxawo-ynLypvIkjZRiDFaiuebHCtnyQ%3BFa8iIQIdXd8o-w&mra=dvme&mrsp=1&sz=18&via=1,2&t=p&z=13|title=NC 16 Business - Newton-Conover, North Carolina|access-date=December 1, 2013}}</ref> }} '''North Carolina Highway&nbsp;16 Business''' ('''NC&nbsp;16 Bus''') was established in January 2008 when NC&nbsp;16 was placed on new construction east Newton andConover, its old alignment becoming a business loop. In Newton, it traverses along Charlotte Highway, D Street, College Street (northbound only) and Main Street. In Conover, it traverses completely on 1st Avenue. In November, 2012, a new overpass was built over I-40; the old overpass was originally connected to the I-40 (exit 131) before exit 132 was built.<ref name=2008change/><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.whky.com/news.asp?mode=detail&articleID=23472 |title= Closures Scheduled for I-40 West Near Conover |access-date= December 1, 2013 |date= August 17, 2012 |publisher= WHKY-TV |location= Hickory, NC }}{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> {{Clear}}

===Newton truck route=== {{infobox road small |state=NC |type=NC-Truck |route=16 |location=Newton, North Carolina |formed= |length_mi=2.7 |length_round=1 |length_ref=<ref>{{google maps|url=https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=S+College+Ave&daddr=35.665666,-81.2305195+to:W+20th+St&hl=en&ll=35.67058,-81.214585&spn=0.030366,0.055747&sll=35.663294,-81.218619&sspn=0.030369,0.055747&geocode=FfcgIAIdwaQo-w%3BFQI3IAIdSYUo-ynBmlP7FTRRiDF3zQKtzTqPBA%3BFVV4IAId07Mo-w&t=p&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=15&via=1&z=15|title=NC 16 Truck - Newton, North Carolina|access-date=December 1, 2013}}</ref> }}

'''North Carolina Highway&nbsp;16 Truck''' ('''NC&nbsp;16 Truck''') provides a different routing along NC&nbsp;16 Business for truck drivers, bypassing downtown Newton. The route begins west on D and C Streets (overlap with NC&nbsp;10), then north on Southwest Boulevard (overlap with US&nbsp;321 Bus) and finally east on 20th Avenue, reconnecting with NC&nbsp;16 Business. {{Clear}}

===Taylorsville truck route=== {{infobox road small |state=NC |type=NC-Truck |route=16 |location=Taylorsville, North Carolina |formed= |length_mi=2.0 |length_round=1 |length_ref=<ref>{{google maps|url=https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=US-64+W&daddr=Liledoun+Rd&hl=en&ll=35.913384,-81.178665&spn=0.029961,0.055747&sll=35.906641,-81.177303&sspn=0.007491,0.013937&geocode=FSvkIwIdSFMp-w%3BFZIgJAId8TEp-w&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=17&t=p&z=15|title=NC 16 Truck - Taylorsville, North Carolina|access-date=May 13, 2014}}</ref> }} '''North Carolina Highway&nbsp;16 Truck''' ('''NC&nbsp;16 Truck''') provides truck drivers, that are passing through, a different route that bypasses the downtown area of Taylorsville, via US&nbsp;64 and Liledoun Road. {{Clear}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Attached KML}} *{{commons category-inline|North Carolina Highway 16}} *[http://www.vahighways.com/ncannex/route-log/nc016.html NCRoads.com: N.C. 16] *[http://www.vahighways.com/ncannex/route-log/nc016b.html NCRoads.com: N.C. 16 Business] *[http://www.vahighways.com/ncannex/route-log/nc262.html NCRoads.com: N.C. 262] *[http://www.vahighways.com/ncannex/route-log/nc271.html NCRoads.com: N.C. 271] *[http://www.vahighways.com/ncannex/route-log/nc681.html NCRoads.com: N.C. 681]

016 Category:Transportation in Charlotte, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Union County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Gaston County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Lincoln County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Catawba County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Alexander County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Wilkes County, North Carolina Category:Transportation in Ashe County, North Carolina