US Bridges

I85S over US70W.BUS

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. N. Jct. SR1712 · Structure no. 000000001350111

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
209 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
23,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85S over US70W.BUS is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I85S over US70W.BUS 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 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 23,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,000 by 2040. The structure is 209 ft (63.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85S
CrossesUS70W.BUS
Location0.6 Mi. N. Jct. SR1712
RouteInterstate 85
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.03854, -79.00878
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.
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length209 ft (63.7 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,000 (2020)
Projected traffic46,000 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 I85S over US70W.BUS built?

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

What condition is I85S over US70W.BUS 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 I85S over US70W.BUS carry?

About 23,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I85S over US70W.BUS?

The structure is 209 ft (63.7 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I85S over US70W.BUS?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.