US Bridges

I-40 over Christian Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .95 MI.E.JCT.SR2838 · Structure no. 000000000210478

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 over Christian Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-40 over Christian Creek 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 45,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 91,000 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesI-40
CrossesChristian Creek
Location.95 MI.E.JCT.SR2838
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.58943, -82.45043
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,500 (2020)
Projected traffic91,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 over Christian Creek built?

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

What condition is I-40 over Christian Creek 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 over Christian Creek carry?

About 45,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 over Christian Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-40 over Christian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.