US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over Catawba River

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .9 MI.E.JCT.SR1234 · Structure no. 000000001110091

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
200 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over Catawba River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over Catawba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 14,250 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,500 by 2040. The structure is 200 ft (60.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesCatawba River
Location.9 MI.E.JCT.SR1234
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.63999, -82.12711
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length200 ft (60.9 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,250 (2020)
Projected traffic28,500 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

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 March 2024.

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

About 14,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over Catawba River?

The structure is 200 ft (60.9 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.