US Bridges

Northwest Blvd over I85

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. N. Jct. NC274 · Structure no. 000000000710117

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
252 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,100
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Northwest Blvd over I85 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Northwest Blvd over I85 in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,200 by 2040. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNorthwest Blvd
CrossesI85
Location0.7 Mi. N. Jct. NC274
RouteCity Street 0
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.28074, -81.21774
Functional classUrban Local

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.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2014)
Projected traffic6,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 Northwest Blvd over I85 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Northwest Blvd 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 Northwest Blvd over I85 carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Northwest Blvd over I85?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Northwest Blvd over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.