US Bridges

I-40 over Youngs Fork Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .3 Mi.W.Jct NC226 · Structure no. 000000001110135

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 over Youngs Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-40 over Youngs Fork Creek 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 28,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,000 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40
CrossesYoungs Fork Creek
Location.3 Mi.W.Jct NC226
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.65522, -81.96527
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 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
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating91.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,000 (2020)
Projected traffic56,000 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 I-40 over Youngs Fork Creek built?

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

What condition is I-40 over Youngs Fork 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I-40 over Youngs Fork Creek carry?

About 28,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 over Youngs Fork Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-40 over Youngs Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.