US Bridges

I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork Creek

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · .4 MI.E.JCT.SR1102 · Structure no. 000000000230130

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
180 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
17,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 17,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,000 by 2040. The structure is 180 ft (54.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Ebl
CrossesBailey Fork Creek
Location.4 MI.E.JCT.SR1102
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.71762, -81.72368
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (54.8 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,500 (2020)
Projected traffic35,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork Creek carry?

About 17,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.8 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Ebl over Bailey Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.