US Bridges

I-40 over Gashes Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .25 MI.W.JCT.I240 · Structure no. 000000000210508

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
34,000
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 over Gashes Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-40 over Gashes Creek 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 5 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 34,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 68,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40
CrossesGashes Creek
Location.25 MI.W.JCT.I240
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.56592, -82.49824
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,000 (2013)
Projected traffic68,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 Gashes Creek built?

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

What condition is I-40 over Gashes 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 over Gashes Creek carry?

About 34,000 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 over Gashes Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns I-40 over Gashes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.