US Bridges

US74A over I-240

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .6 MI.E.JCT.NC81 · Structure no. 000000000210059

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
356 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74A over I-240 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US74A over I-240 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 18,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,000 by 2040. The structure is 356 ft (108.5 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74A
CrossesI-240
Location.6 MI.E.JCT.NC81
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.56796, -82.50735
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.9 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length356 ft (108.5 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.4 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width62 ft (19 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,500 (2018)
Projected traffic37,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US74A over I-240 built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74A over I-240 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US74A over I-240 carry?

About 18,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US74A over I-240?

The structure is 356 ft (108.5 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.4 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns US74A over I-240?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.