US Bridges

I277 & NC16 over Cats Light Railroad

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. N. Jct. US74 · Structure no. 000000001190322

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
96,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I277 & NC16 over Cats Light Railroad is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I277 & NC16 over Cats Light Railroad in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 96,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 192,000 by 2040. The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long and 114 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI277 & NC16
CrossesCats Light Railroad
Location0.8 Mi. N. Jct. US74
RouteInterstate 277
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.23133, -80.83283
Functional classUrban 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.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length203 ft (61.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width114 ft (34.6 m)
Roadway width106 ft (32.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96,000 (2022)
Projected traffic192,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I277 & NC16 over Cats Light Railroad built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is I277 & NC16 over Cats Light 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I277 & NC16 over Cats Light Railroad carry?

About 96,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I277 & NC16 over Cats Light Railroad?

The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 114 ft wide.

Who owns I277 & NC16 over Cats Light Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.