US Bridges

I-85 over Nutbush Creek

Fair

Vance County, North Carolina · 0.46 MI W JCT NC39 · Structure no. 000000001810119

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
33,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 over Nutbush Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-85 over Nutbush Creek in Vance County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 33,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85
CrossesNutbush Creek
Location0.46 MI W JCT NC39
RouteInterstate 85
CountyVance County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.33928, -78.41873
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,000 (2020)
Projected traffic66,000 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 over Nutbush Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 over Nutbush 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I-85 over Nutbush Creek carry?

About 33,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-85 over Nutbush Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns I-85 over Nutbush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.