US Bridges

I-26 Wbl over I-240

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · I26 I40 Interchange · Structure no. 000000000210253

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
431 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
37,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 Wbl over I-240 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 Wbl over I-240 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 59 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 37,250 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 74,500 by 2040. The structure is 431 ft (131.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesI-26 Wbl
CrossesI-240
LocationI26 I40 Interchange
RouteInterstate 26
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55419, -82.6116
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length431 ft (131.3 m)
Longest span124 ft (37.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,250 (2020)
Projected traffic74,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (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 I-26 Wbl over I-240 built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is I-26 Wbl 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does I-26 Wbl over I-240 carry?

About 37,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-26 Wbl over I-240?

The structure is 431 ft (131.3 m) long with a longest span of 124 ft (37.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 Wbl over I-240?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.