US Bridges

NC47 over I85

Fair

Davidson County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. E. Jct. US29 & 70 · Structure no. 000000000570146

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
273 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC47 over I85 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC47 over I85 in Davidson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 8,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,800 by 2040. The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC47
CrossesI85
Location0.5 Mi. E. Jct. US29 & 70
RouteState Highway 47
CountyDavidson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.77408, -80.31439
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length273 ft (83.2 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,900 (2021)
Projected traffic17,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC47 over I85 built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC47 over I85 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NC47 over I85 carry?

About 8,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC47 over I85?

The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns NC47 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.