US Bridges

I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.6 MI.N.JCT.NC49 · Structure no. 000000001190339

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
215 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
62,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 62,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 125,000 by 2040. The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long and 74 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI277 & NC16 Sbl
CrossesI77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B
Location0.6 MI.N.JCT.NC49
RouteInterstate 277
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.24349, -80.84691
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionSeptember 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 rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length215 ft (65.5 m)
Longest span79 ft (24 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width69 ft (20.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62,500 (2020)
Projected traffic125,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B carry?

About 62,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B?

The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns I277 & NC16 Sbl over I77/US21 Nbl&ramp 11B?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.