US Bridges

I540E over I-40

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 1.16 Mi. E .JCT.NC54 · Structure no. 000000000630457

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
278 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I540E over I-40 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I540E over I-40 in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 60,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 120,000 by 2040. The structure is 278 ft (84.7 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI540E
CrossesI-40
Location1.16 Mi. E .JCT.NC54
RouteInterstate 540
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.87267, -78.83078
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating71 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length278 ft (84.7 m)
Longest span136 ft (41.4 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.5 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60,000 (2020)
Projected traffic120,000 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 I540E over I-40 built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is I540E over I-40 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 2024.

How much traffic does I540E over I-40 carry?

About 60,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I540E over I-40?

The structure is 278 ft (84.7 m) long with a longest span of 136 ft (41.4 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns I540E over I-40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.