US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over Approach RD

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 0.7 MI.W.JCT.US25 · Structure no. 000000000210378

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
252 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over Approach RD is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over Approach RD 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 27,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,000 by 2040. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 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
CrossesApproach RD
Location0.7 MI.W.JCT.US25
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55818, -82.55108
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 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
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 Approach RD built?

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

What condition is I-40 Wbl over Approach RD 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 Approach RD carry?

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

How long is I-40 Wbl over Approach RD?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over Approach RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.