US Bridges

NC7 over I-85

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. W. Jct. NC279 · Structure no. 000000000710059

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
273 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
20,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC7 over I-85 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC7 over I-85 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 20,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,000 by 2040. The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long and 80 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC7
CrossesI-85
Location0.8 Mi. W. Jct. NC279
RouteState Highway 7
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.27259, -81.15998
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length273 ft (83.2 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.5 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,500 (2022)
Projected traffic41,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 NC7 over I-85 built?

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

What condition is NC7 over I-85 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does NC7 over I-85 carry?

About 20,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC7 over I-85?

The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns NC7 over I-85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.