US Bridges

I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. S. Jct. SR3998 · Structure no. 000000001190603

Built
1992
33 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
236 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1992 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 33 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 70,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 140,000 by 2040. The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI485 Nbl
CrossesLittle Sugar Creek
Location0.3 Mi. S. Jct. SR3998
RouteInterstate 485
Coordinates35.09861, -80.87732
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length236 ft (71.9 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.4 m)
Deck width79 ft (24 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,000 (2022)
Projected traffic140,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
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 I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek carry?

About 70,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek?

The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.4 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns I485 Nbl over Little Sugar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.