US Bridges

US221 over I-40

Poor

McDowell County, North Carolina · 0.37 MI.N.JCT.SR1318 · Structure no. 000000001110033

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
343 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
7,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 over I-40 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 over I-40 in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 7,200 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,400 by 2040. The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221
CrossesI-40
Location0.37 MI.N.JCT.SR1318
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.64375, -81.98572
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length343 ft (104.5 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,200 (2022)
Projected traffic14,400 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 over I-40 built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 over I-40 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does US221 over I-40 carry?

About 7,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US221 over I-40?

The structure is 343 ft (104.5 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US221 over I-40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.