US Bridges

I40 Wbl over NC55

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 1.1 MI.W.JCT.I40 & NC147 · Structure no. 000000000630289

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
167 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
107,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 Wbl over NC55 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 Wbl over NC55 in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 107,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 214,000 by 2040. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40 Wbl
CrossesNC55
Location1.1 MI.W.JCT.I40 & NC147
RouteInterstate 40
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.90689, -78.89436
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.1 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic107,000 (2021)
Projected traffic214,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 Wbl over NC55 built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 Wbl over NC55 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does I40 Wbl over NC55 carry?

About 107,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 Wbl over NC55?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns I40 Wbl over NC55?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.