US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over London Road

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .4 MI.E.JCT.US25 · Structure no. 000000000210406

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
194 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over London Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over London Road in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 22,250 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,500 by 2040. The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesLondon Road
Location.4 MI.E.JCT.US25
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55766, -82.53314
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length194 ft (59.1 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,250 (2020)
Projected traffic44,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over London Road built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over London Road 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over London Road carry?

About 22,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over London Road?

The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over London Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.