US Bridges

Beatties Ford over I85

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. S. Jct. SR2179 · Structure no. 000000001190223

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
234 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Beatties Ford over I85 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Beatties Ford over I85 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 54 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 27,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,000 by 2040. The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBeatties Ford
CrossesI85
Location0.1 Mi. S. Jct. SR2179
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.27114, -80.85436
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length234 ft (71.3 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.5 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,000 (2022)
Projected traffic54,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Beatties Ford over I85 built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Beatties Ford over I85 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 Beatties Ford over I85 carry?

About 27,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Beatties Ford over I85?

The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Beatties Ford over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.