US Bridges

I85 over Blue Mud Creek

Fair

Warren County, North Carolina · 1.3 Mi.S.Jct. US1 · Structure no. 000000001850052

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 over Blue Mud Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I85 over Blue Mud 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 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 19,000 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,000 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI85
CrossesBlue Mud Creek
Location1.3 Mi.S.Jct. US1
RouteInterstate 85
Coordinates36.51876, -78.20272
Functional classRural 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,000 (2020)
Projected traffic38,000 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 Blue Mud Creek built?

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

What condition is I85 over Blue Mud 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I85 over Blue Mud Creek carry?

About 19,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I85 over Blue Mud Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns I85 over Blue Mud Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.