I85 over South Fork Catawba River
FairGaston County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. N. Jct. NC7 · Structure no. 000000000710143
- Built
- 1960
- 65 years old, rebuilt 1992
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected May 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 896 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 65,500
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I85 over South Fork Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85 over South Fork Catawba River in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 65 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 65,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 131,000 by 2040. The structure is 896 ft (273.1 m) long and 111 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I85 over South Fork Catawba River built?
It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.
What condition is I85 over South Fork Catawba River 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 May 2024.
How much traffic does I85 over South Fork Catawba River carry?
About 65,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.
How long is I85 over South Fork Catawba River?
The structure is 896 ft (273.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.3 m) and a deck 111 ft wide.
Who owns I85 over South Fork Catawba River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.