US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over French Broad River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .2 MI.E.JCT.NC191 · Structure no. 000000000210356

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
576 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
27,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over French Broad River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over French Broad River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 27,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,000 by 2040. The structure is 576 ft (175.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesFrench Broad River
Location.2 MI.E.JCT.NC191
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55999, -82.59298
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length576 ft (175.5 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,000 (2021)
Projected traffic54,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over French Broad River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over French Broad River 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-40 Wbl over French Broad River carry?

About 27,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over French Broad River?

The structure is 576 ft (175.5 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.