US Bridges

NC16 over I85

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · .35 Mi. S JCT Hoskins RD · Structure no. 000000001190354

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
61,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC16 over I85 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC16 over I85 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 6 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 61,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 122,000 by 2040. The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long and 195 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC16
CrossesI85
Location.35 Mi. S JCT Hoskins RD
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.26215, -80.87839
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating62.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length160 ft (48.7 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width195 ft (59.4 m)
Roadway width102 ft (31.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic61,000 (2022)
Projected traffic122,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 NC16 over I85 built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC16 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 NC16 over I85 carry?

About 61,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC16 over I85?

The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 195 ft wide.

Who owns NC16 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.