US Bridges

I-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 1.5 MI.E.JCT.SR2137 · Structure no. 000000000210415

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
148 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2040. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesI-26EBL US19 23SBL
CrossesNC197
Location1.5 MI.E.JCT.SR2137
RouteInterstate 26
Coordinates35.75877, -82.54346
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionDecember 2024
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 rating88 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2017)
Projected traffic27,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197 built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does I-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197 carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-26EBL US19 23SBL over NC197?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.