US Bridges

North Ellis St. over Norfolk Southern Rr.

FairPosted for load

Rowan County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI.E.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000001590393

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
102 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,200
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

North Ellis St. over Norfolk Southern Rr. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying North Ellis St. over Norfolk Southern Rr. in Rowan County, North Carolina. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,400 by 2040. The structure is 102 ft (31 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNorth Ellis St.
CrossesNorfolk Southern Rr.
Location0.3 MI.E.JCT.US70
RouteCity Street 0
CountyRowan County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.67386, -80.47051
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating12.9 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length102 ft (31 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2022)
Projected traffic6,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 North Ellis St. over Norfolk Southern Rr. built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is North Ellis St. over Norfolk 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does North Ellis St. over Norfolk Southern Rr. carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is North Ellis St. over Norfolk Southern Rr.?

The structure is 102 ft (31 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns North Ellis St. over Norfolk Southern Rr.?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.