US Bridges

SR1168 over I-40

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1285 · Structure no. 000000001110132

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
277 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1168 over I-40 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1168 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 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2040. The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1168
CrossesI-40
Location0.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1285
RouteState Highway 1168
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.6337, -82.00161
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length277 ft (84.4 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2021)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SR1168 over I-40 built?

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

What condition is SR1168 over I-40 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 SR1168 over I-40 carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1168 over I-40?

The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR1168 over I-40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.