US Bridges

I85 over Cates Creek

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. S. Jct. NC86 · Structure no. 000000001350341

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
47,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 over Cates Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I85 over Cates Creek in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 47,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 94,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85
CrossesCates Creek
Location0.4 Mi. S. Jct. NC86
RouteInterstate 85
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.05822, -79.08881
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,000 (2020)
Projected traffic94,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I85 over Cates Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85 over Cates Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I85 over Cates Creek carry?

About 47,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I85 over Cates Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns I85 over Cates Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.