US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over Catawba River

Fair

Iredell County, North Carolina · 1.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR1502 · Structure no. 000000000970007

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
913 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
18,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over Catawba River in Iredell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 68 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 18,250 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,500 by 2040. The structure is 913 ft (278.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesCatawba River
Location1.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR1502
RouteInterstate 4
CountyIredell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.7432, -81.07474
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length913 ft (278.2 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,250 (2020)
Projected traffic36,500 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over Catawba River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over Catawba River carry?

About 18,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over Catawba River?

The structure is 913 ft (278.2 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.