I85 over Catawba River
FairGaston County, North Carolina · 0.75 Mi. N. Jct. NC273 · Structure no. 000000000710159
- Built
- 1958
- 67 years old, rebuilt 1988
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected May 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 1,073 ft
- 11 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 127,000
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I85 over Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85 over Catawba River in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 67 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 127,000 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 254,000 by 2040. The structure is 1,073 ft (327 m) long and 151 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 | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I85 over Catawba River built?
It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.
What condition is I85 over 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 Catawba River carry?
About 127,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.
How long is I85 over Catawba River?
The structure is 1,073 ft (327 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.1 m) and a deck 151 ft wide.
Who owns I85 over Catawba River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.