US Bridges

I85N over Southern RR

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. S. Jct. NC86 · Structure no. 000000001350091

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
151 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85N over Southern RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85N over Southern RR 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 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 23,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,000 by 2040. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85N
CrossesSouthern RR
Location0.4 Mi. S. Jct. NC86
RouteInterstate 85
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.05769, -79.09009
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,500 (2020)
Projected traffic47,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I85N over Southern RR built?

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

What condition is I85N over Southern RR 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I85N over Southern RR carry?

About 23,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I85N over Southern RR?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I85N over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.