US Bridges

I-85 over Tributary of Smith Creek

Fair

Mecklenburg County, Virginia · 1.68 Nc LN & 2.73 to 903 · Structure no. 000000000011922

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,360
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 over Tributary of Smith Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-85 over Tributary of Smith Creek in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 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 27,360 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,506 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-85
CrossesTributary of Smith Creek
Location1.68 Nc LN & 2.73 to 903
RouteInterstate 85
CountyMecklenburg County
StateVirginia
Coordinates36.56804, -78.17815
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,360 (2022)
Projected traffic30,506 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$655 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 over Tributary of Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 over Tributary of Smith 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-85 over Tributary of Smith Creek carry?

About 27,360 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-85 over Tributary of Smith Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns I-85 over Tributary of Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.