US Bridges

I485 over Tiger Branch

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.35 Mi. S. Jct. US29 · Structure no. 000000001190835

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
108,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I485 over Tiger Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I485 over Tiger Branch in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 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 108,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 216,000 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI485
CrossesTiger Branch
Location0.35 Mi. S. Jct. US29
RouteInterstate 485
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.23496, -80.97005
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic108,000 (2020)
Projected traffic216,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I485 over Tiger Branch built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is I485 over Tiger Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I485 over Tiger Branch carry?

About 108,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I485 over Tiger Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns I485 over Tiger Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.