US Bridges

I-85N over Southern RR

Fair

Davidson County, North Carolina · 0.9 MI.N.JCT.NC47 · Structure no. 000000000570147

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85N over Southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85N over Southern RR 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 29,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 58,000 by 2040. The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI-85N
CrossesSouthern RR
Location0.9 MI.N.JCT.NC47
RouteInterstate 85
Coordinates35.77661, -80.29881
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.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length165 ft (50.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,000 (2021)
Projected traffic58,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85N over Southern RR built?

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

What condition is I-85N over Southern RR 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 I-85N over Southern RR carry?

About 29,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-85N over Southern RR?

The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns I-85N over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.