US Bridges

I40 over Fourth Creek

Fair

Iredell County, North Carolina · 0.11 Mi. E. Jct. US 21 · Structure no. 000000000970564

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Fourth Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Fourth Creek in Iredell County, North Carolina. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 28,750 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,500 by 2040. The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long and 219 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesFourth Creek
Location0.11 Mi. E. Jct. US 21
RouteInterstate 40
CountyIredell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.80759, -80.87393
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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length225 ft (68.5 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.3 m)
Deck width219 ft (66.8 m)
Roadway width209 ft (63.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,750 (2022)
Projected traffic57,500 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Fourth Creek built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Fourth 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Fourth Creek carry?

About 28,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Fourth Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.3 m) and a deck 219 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Fourth Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.