US Bridges

I-26 Ebl over I-40 Wbl

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .04 MI.E.JCT.SRI240 · Structure no. 000000000210285

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
192 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
37,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 Ebl over I-40 Wbl is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 Ebl 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 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 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26 Ebl
CrossesI-40 Wbl
Location.04 MI.E.JCT.SRI240
RouteInterstate 26
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55707, -82.61083
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 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
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 Ebl 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 Ebl 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 Ebl over I-40 Wbl carry?

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

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

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.