US Bridges

I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek

Good

Warren County, North Carolina · 0.4 MI S JCT SR1224 · Structure no. 000000001850027

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek in Warren County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 19,500 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,000 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI85
CrossesTrib. of Smith Creek
Location0.4 MI S JCT SR1224
RouteInterstate 85
Coordinates36.44993, -78.27042
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,500 (2020)
Projected traffic39,000 by 2040
Trucks23%
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 I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek carry?

About 19,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I85 over Trib. of Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.