US Bridges

NC86 over I85

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. S. Jct. US70 Bus · Structure no. 000000001350059

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
282 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC86 over I85 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC86 over I85 in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older 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 11,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,000 by 2040. The structure is 282 ft (85.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC86
CrossesI85
Location0.6 Mi. S. Jct. US70 Bus
RouteState Highway 86
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.05884, -79.08236
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 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
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length282 ft (85.9 m)
Longest span79 ft (24 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,500 (2022)
Projected traffic23,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC86 over I85 built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC86 over I85 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 NC86 over I85 carry?

About 11,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC86 over I85?

The structure is 282 ft (85.9 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC86 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.