US Bridges

I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. E. Jct. I77 · Structure no. 000000001190967

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
503 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
32,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 32,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 64,000 by 2040. The structure is 503 ft (153.3 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI485 Wbl
CrossesUS21 & I485 Ramp
Location0.2 Mi. E. Jct. I77
RouteInterstate 485
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.36433, -80.83843
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.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.9 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length503 ft (153.3 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.7 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.8 m)
Roadway width59 ft (17.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,000 (2020)
Projected traffic64,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp 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 I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp carry?

About 32,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp?

The structure is 503 ft (153.3 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.7 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns I485 Wbl over US21 & I485 Ramp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.