US Bridges

NC273 over I85

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. N. Jct. NC7 · Structure no. 000000000710034

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
229 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
24,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC273 over I85 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC273 over I85 in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 24,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,000 by 2040. The structure is 229 ft (69.8 m) long and 104 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC273
CrossesI85
Location0.6 Mi. N. Jct. NC7
RouteState Highway 273
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.25703, -81.02681
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length229 ft (69.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width104 ft (31.8 m)
Roadway width92 ft (28 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,500 (2022)
Projected traffic49,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC273 over I85 built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC273 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NC273 over I85 carry?

About 24,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC273 over I85?

The structure is 229 ft (69.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 104 ft wide.

Who owns NC273 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.