US Bridges

US521 over I485

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 1.75 Mi. N. Jct. SR3626 · Structure no. 000000001190677

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
242 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
38,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US521 over I485 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US521 over I485 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 38,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 77,000 by 2040. The structure is 242 ft (73.7 m) long and 113 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS521
CrossesI485
Location1.75 Mi. N. Jct. SR3626
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.06506, -80.84567
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length242 ft (73.7 m)
Longest span121 ft (36.8 m)
Deck width113 ft (34.4 m)
Roadway width110 ft (33.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,500 (2018)
Projected traffic77,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US521 over I485 built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is US521 over I485 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US521 over I485 carry?

About 38,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US521 over I485?

The structure is 242 ft (73.7 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (36.8 m) and a deck 113 ft wide.

Who owns US521 over I485?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.