US Bridges

I-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .6 MI.E.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000000210497

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
418 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
47,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2012, 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 47,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 94,000 by 2040. The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-240 Ebl
CrossesUS74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv
Location.6 MI.E.JCT.US70
RouteInterstate 240
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.57838, -82.51932
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.9 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length418 ft (127.4 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.3 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,000 (2020)
Projected traffic94,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is I-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does I-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv carry?

About 47,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv?

The structure is 418 ft (127.4 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.3 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns I-240 Ebl over US74A NC81 Swannanoa Riv?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.