US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over CSX RR

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .2 MI.W.JCT.NC226 · Structure no. 000000001110137

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
157 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over CSX RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over CSX RR in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1997, 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,000 by 2040. The structure is 157 ft (47.8 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
CrossesCSX RR
Location.2 MI.W.JCT.NC226
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.65619, -81.96421
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length157 ft (47.8 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,000 (2020)
Projected traffic28,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over CSX RR built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over CSX RR 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 CSX RR carry?

About 14,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over CSX RR?

The structure is 157 ft (47.8 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over CSX RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.