US Bridges

I-26 Wbl over I-40 Wbl

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 0.27MI.W.JCT. I-40W. Ramp · Structure no. 000000000210283

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
178 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 Wbl over I-40 Wbl is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 Wbl over I-40 Wbl in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 2012, 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 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 30,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,000 by 2040. The structure is 178 ft (54.2 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26 Wbl
CrossesI-40 Wbl
Location0.27MI.W.JCT. I-40W. Ramp
RouteInterstate 26
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55714, -82.60853
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length178 ft (54.2 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,000 (2022)
Projected traffic60,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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-40 Wbl built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is I-26 Wbl over I-40 Wbl 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does I-26 Wbl over I-40 Wbl carry?

About 30,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-26 Wbl over I-40 Wbl?

The structure is 178 ft (54.2 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 Wbl over I-40 Wbl?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.