US Bridges

NC127 over I40

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. S. Jct. SR1183 · Structure no. 000000000350123

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
334 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC127 over I40 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC127 over I40 in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 49 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 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2040. The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long and 70 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC127
CrossesI40
Location0.3 Mi. S. Jct. SR1183
RouteState Highway 127
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70942, -81.34477
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length334 ft (101.8 m)
Longest span139 ft (42.3 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2021)
Projected traffic27,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC127 over I40 built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is NC127 over I40 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NC127 over I40 carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC127 over I40?

The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long with a longest span of 139 ft (42.3 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns NC127 over I40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.