US Bridges

I-40 over Ragsdale Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI.E.JCT.US19 23 · Structure no. 000000000210320

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
37,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 over Ragsdale Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-40 over Ragsdale Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, 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 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40
CrossesRagsdale Creek
Location0.2 MI.E.JCT.US19 23
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55871, -82.63413
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,250 (2020)
Projected traffic74,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 over Ragsdale Creek built?

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

What condition is I-40 over Ragsdale Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 over Ragsdale Creek carry?

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

How long is I-40 over Ragsdale Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns I-40 over Ragsdale Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.