US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over SR2838

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .9 Mi.E.Jct.B.R.Parkway · Structure no. 000000000210476

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
206 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over SR2838 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over SR2838 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 27,500 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,000 by 2040. The structure is 206 ft (62.7 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesSR2838
Location.9 Mi.E.Jct.B.R.Parkway
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.58117, -82.46351
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length206 ft (62.7 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,500 (2020)
Projected traffic55,000 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 SR2838 built?

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

What condition is I-40 Wbl over SR2838 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 SR2838 carry?

About 27,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over SR2838?

The structure is 206 ft (62.7 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over SR2838?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.