US Bridges

I-40 over US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .8 MI.E.JCT.NC9 · Structure no. 000000000210494

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
558 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 over US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 over US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 14,750 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,500 by 2040. The structure is 558 ft (170 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40
CrossesUS70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr
Location.8 MI.E.JCT.NC9
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.61896, -82.30742
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating75 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length558 ft (170 m)
Longest span139 ft (42.3 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.7 m)
Roadway width97 ft (29.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,750 (2020)
Projected traffic29,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 over US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 over US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr 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 US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr carry?

About 14,750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 over US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr?

The structure is 558 ft (170 m) long with a longest span of 139 ft (42.3 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 over US70E Sou.Rr Swannoa Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.