US Bridges

NC56 over I85

Poor

Granville County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.E.SR1215 · Structure no. 000000000770045

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
274 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
17,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC56 over I85 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC56 over I85 in Granville County, North Carolina. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 17,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,000 by 2040. The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC56
CrossesI85
Location0.1 MI.E.SR1215
RouteState Highway 56
CountyGranville County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.14749, -78.72481
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length274 ft (83.5 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,500 (2022)
Projected traffic35,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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 NC56 over I85 built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC56 over I85 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does NC56 over I85 carry?

About 17,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC56 over I85?

The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns NC56 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.