US Bridges

I85N over US70 E

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.29 MI N JCT SR1567 · Structure no. 000000001350103

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
231 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
32,750
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85N over US70 E is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85N over US70 E in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 32,750 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,500 by 2040. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 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
CrossesUS70 E
Location0.29 MI N JCT SR1567
RouteInterstate 85
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.03851, -79.01172
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,750 (2019)
Projected traffic65,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 US70 E built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85N over US70 E 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does I85N over US70 E carry?

About 32,750 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I85N over US70 E?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I85N over US70 E?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.