US Bridges

I40 Ebl over US321

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. W. Jct. NC127 · Structure no. 000000000350077

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
379 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
24,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 Ebl over US321 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 Ebl over US321 in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 24,250 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,500 by 2040. The structure is 379 ft (115.5 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40 Ebl
CrossesUS321
Location0.5 Mi. W. Jct. NC127
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70809, -81.35321
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating54.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length379 ft (115.5 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,250 (2020)
Projected traffic48,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 Ebl over US321 built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 Ebl over US321 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 2025.

How much traffic does I40 Ebl over US321 carry?

About 24,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 Ebl over US321?

The structure is 379 ft (115.5 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I40 Ebl over US321?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.