US Bridges

I40 over Pole Branch

Fair

Johnston County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. W. Jct. NC242 · Structure no. 000000001010504

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
48,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Pole Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Pole Branch in Johnston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 48,000 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 96,000 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesPole Branch
Location0.4 Mi. W. Jct. NC242
RouteInterstate 40
CountyJohnston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.42904, -78.53183
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,000 (2022)
Projected traffic96,000 by 2040
Trucks23%
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 Pole Branch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Pole Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Pole Branch carry?

About 48,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Pole Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns I40 over Pole Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.