US Bridges

I40 over Clark Creek

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR1476 · Structure no. 000000000350167

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
56,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Clark Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Clark Creek 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 56,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 112,000 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesClark Creek
Location0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR1476
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70597, -81.27227
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic56,000 (2020)
Projected traffic112,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 I40 over Clark Creek built?

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

What condition is I40 over Clark 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does I40 over Clark Creek carry?

About 56,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Clark Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns I40 over Clark Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.