US Bridges

I485 over Br. of Mcalpine Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 2.4 Mi. N. Jct. NC51 · Structure no. 000000001190666

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I485 over Br. of Mcalpine Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I485 over Br. of Mcalpine Creek in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 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 100,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 200,000 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI485
CrossesBr. of Mcalpine Creek
Location2.4 Mi. N. Jct. NC51
RouteInterstate 485
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.06547, -80.85103
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100,000 (2020)
Projected traffic200,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I485 over Br. of Mcalpine Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is I485 over Br. of Mcalpine 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I485 over Br. of Mcalpine Creek carry?

About 100,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I485 over Br. of Mcalpine Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I485 over Br. of Mcalpine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.