US Bridges

NC191 over I-40

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .16 MI.N.JCT.SR3414 · Structure no. 000000000210194

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
292 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
20,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC191 over I-40 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC191 over I-40 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 60 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 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 20,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,000 by 2040. The structure is 292 ft (89 m) long and 83 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC191
CrossesI-40
Location.16 MI.N.JCT.SR3414
RouteState Highway 191
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55693, -82.59922
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating61.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length292 ft (89 m)
Longest span79 ft (24 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.2 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,000 (2022)
Projected traffic40,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NC191 over I-40 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is NC191 over I-40 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does NC191 over I-40 carry?

About 20,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC191 over I-40?

The structure is 292 ft (89 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns NC191 over I-40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.