US Bridges

I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway

Poor

Davidson County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1770 · Structure no. 000000000570164

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
185 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway in Davidson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,000 by 2040. The structure is 185 ft (56.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI85N.BUS US29 70
CrossesSouthern Railway
Location0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1770
RouteU.S. Route 29
Coordinates35.91158, -80.048
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length185 ft (56.3 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,000 (2021)
Projected traffic23,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway carry?

About 11,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway?

The structure is 185 ft (56.3 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns I85N.BUS US29 70 over Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.