I would assume they use this beauty to allow attendants servicing the two rest stops to get from one to another. Looks like it has been taken care of.
Well, this is an interesting little bridge. I am not terribly familiar with the company that built it, but the pins and verticals are unusual. Given its location in the middle of a rest area, it would be a prime candidate for restoration and interpretation.
This bridge is located between the eastbound and westbound rest areas on I-85 (where the sides of the interstate reverse, so the bridge is in the middle). According to one site, it was moved from Stoke County, where it crossed over Seven Mile Creek near Danbury (http://www.gribblenation.com/nclost/bridges/197.html). It's really a nice little bridge, and has retained its period railing and wooden deck. There was also no traffic going over it when I was there, so I was able to photograph it without being bothered. There was a sign on it that read "Authorized Vehicles Only," so it probably receives little traffic. It was in very good shape. I suppose it's one of the lucky few of NC.
The bridge while located near a rest stop, it is not in the rest stop. It is located closer to the Vietnam Memorial, probably for maintenance vehicles and pedestrians stretching their legs through the wooded area to get to the memorial (although you can easily drive to it and park).
Royce