US Bridges

NC279 over P&n Railroad

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 50 Ft. W. Jct. NC7 · Structure no. 000000000710270

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
94 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC279 over P&n Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC279 over P&n Railroad in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 85 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 23,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,000 by 2040. The structure is 94 ft (28.6 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC279
CrossesP&n Railroad
Location50 Ft. W. Jct. NC7
RouteState Highway 279
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.28031, -81.149
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length94 ft (28.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.7 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,000 (2022)
Projected traffic46,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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 NC279 over P&n Railroad built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is NC279 over P&n Railroad 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NC279 over P&n Railroad carry?

About 23,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC279 over P&n Railroad?

The structure is 94 ft (28.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns NC279 over P&n Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.