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AAA Carolinas releases annual 20 worst bridges in the state list

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Every February, AAA Carolinas releases their 20 worst bridges in North Carolina listing. The release always makes local media outlets and becomes topic of discussion on various talk radio programs and even transportation forums.

So without further hype, here are some highlights of the 20 worst in North Carolina:

1. Business I-40/85 bridge over South Buffalo Creek - Guilford County. This bridge, built in 1955, handles nearly 117,000 vehicles a day, and is currently not scheduled to be replaced. It should be noted, that the completion of the I-40 and I-85 bypass on the Greensboro Loop should reduce the amount of traffic on this bridge.

2. Business I-40 Bridge over Liberty Street in Winston-Salem. This bridge was also built in 1955, handles nearly 68,000 Vehicles per day and is scheduled to be replaced in 2013.

3. US 220 bridge over SR 1452 and Business US 220 in Guilford County. This is the youngest bridge on the list (built in 1968) and is not scheduled to be replaced or improved. About 39,000 vehicles per day use this bridge.

4. I-440 Beltline bridge over Hilsborough Street and the Southern Railroad - Raleigh. This bridge on the Beltline was built in 1960 and will be improved/replace in part of a I-440 widening project scheduled to begin in 2009.

11. The I-85 bridge over the Yadkin River near Spencer. This structure, built in 1955, is arguably the most discussed and feared bridge in the state. The narrow two lane span that pre-dates the interstate system is scheduled to replaced in an I-85 widening project. However, the cost to replace the bridge and widen the highway makes it one of the most expensive projects in the state. There are some discussions to make the new bridge toll to help with the construction costs. Current estimates have 55,000 vehicles per day using this bridge.

13. US 117 bridge over the SCL Railway in New Hanover County. The oldest bridge on the list (built in 1934) is scheduled to be replaced this year.

For a full list of the 20 worst bridges in the state, go here.
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