US Bridges

NC279 over I85

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. W. Jct. US29/74 · Structure no. 000000000710002

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
250 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
24,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC279 over I85 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC279 over I85 in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 5 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 24,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,000 by 2040. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC279
CrossesI85
Location0.5 Mi. W. Jct. US29/74
RouteState Highway 279
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.26877, -81.14949
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating54.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.5 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,500 (2022)
Projected traffic49,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC279 over I85 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC279 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does NC279 over I85 carry?

About 24,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC279 over I85?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns NC279 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.