US Bridges

I85N over Tar River

Fair

Granville County, North Carolina · 8.6 Mi. S. Jct. US158 · Structure no. 000000000770055

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
276 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85N over Tar River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85N over Tar River 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 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 14,750 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,500 by 2040. The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85N
CrossesTar River
Location8.6 Mi. S. Jct. US158
RouteInterstate 85
CountyGranville County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.22932, -78.64854
Functional classRural 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
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length276 ft (84.1 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,750 (2020)
Projected traffic29,500 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 I85N over Tar River built?

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

What condition is I85N over Tar 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I85N over Tar River carry?

About 14,750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I85N over Tar River?

The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I85N over Tar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.