US Bridges

I-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.96 Mi. E. Jct. SR1973 · Structure no. 000000000630342

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,036 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
23,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 23,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,000 by 2040. The structure is 1,036 ft (315.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesI-540N.RAMP
CrossesI40 NW Expressway
Location0.96 Mi. E. Jct. SR1973
RouteInterstate 540
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.87354, -78.83181
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,036 ft (315.7 m)
Longest span189 ft (57.6 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,000 (2020)
Projected traffic46,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 I-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway 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-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway carry?

About 23,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway?

The structure is 1,036 ft (315.7 m) long with a longest span of 189 ft (57.6 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-540N.RAMP over I40 NW Expressway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.