US Bridges

I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway

Good

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.US19 23 · Structure no. 000000000210313

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
224 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
74,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 74,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 149,000 by 2040. The structure is 224 ft (68.2 m) long and 143 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40 Ebl/Wbl
CrossesSouthern Railway
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.US19 23
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55889, -82.63599
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length224 ft (68.2 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width143 ft (43.6 m)
Roadway width138 ft (42.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic74,500 (2020)
Projected traffic149,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway carry?

About 74,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway?

The structure is 224 ft (68.2 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 143 ft wide.

Who owns I40 Ebl/Wbl over Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.