US Bridges

I85 over Ut to Long Creek

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. N. Jct. US321 · Structure no. 000000000710124

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
101,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 over Ut to Long Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I85 over Ut to Long Creek in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1995, 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 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 101,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 202,000 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85
CrossesUt to Long Creek
Location0.1 Mi. N. Jct. US321
RouteInterstate 85
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.28321, -81.18674
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic101,000 (2020)
Projected traffic202,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I85 over Ut to Long Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is I85 over Ut to Long Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does I85 over Ut to Long Creek carry?

About 101,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I85 over Ut to Long Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I85 over Ut to Long Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.