US Bridges

I40 I85 over Back Creek

Fair

Alamance County, North Carolina · 0.65 Mi.N. SR1928 · Structure no. 000000000010163

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
177 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
125,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 I85 over Back Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 I85 over Back Creek in Alamance County, North Carolina. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 125,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 250,000 by 2040. The structure is 177 ft (53.9 m) long and 141 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40 I85
CrossesBack Creek
Location0.65 Mi.N. SR1928
RouteInterstate 40
CountyAlamance County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.06865, -79.3446
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.9 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length177 ft (53.9 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width141 ft (42.9 m)
Roadway width135 ft (41 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125,000 (2021)
Projected traffic250,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I40 I85 over Back Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 I85 over Back 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I40 I85 over Back Creek carry?

About 125,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 I85 over Back Creek?

The structure is 177 ft (53.9 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 141 ft wide.

Who owns I40 I85 over Back Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.