US Bridges

I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .3 MI.W.JCT.I-240 · Structure no. 000000000210281

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
181 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
59,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 59,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 119,000 by 2040. The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26 US19 23 70
CrossesNC251
Location.3 MI.W.JCT.I-240
RouteInterstate 26
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.59669, -82.57117
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length181 ft (55.1 m)
Longest span82 ft (24.9 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.8 m)
Roadway width74 ft (22.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic59,500 (2020)
Projected traffic119,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251 built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251 carry?

About 59,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251?

The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (24.9 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 US19 23 70 over NC251?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.