US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over SR1741

Good

McDowell County, North Carolina · 2.5 MI.E.JCT.NC226 · Structure no. 000000001110149

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
240 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
15,750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over SR1741 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over SR1741 in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 66 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 15,750 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,500 by 2040. The structure is 240 ft (73.1 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
CrossesSR1741
Location2.5 MI.E.JCT.NC226
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.68292, -81.93169
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length240 ft (73.1 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,750 (2020)
Projected traffic31,500 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 Wbl over SR1741 built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over SR1741 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over SR1741 carry?

About 15,750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over SR1741?

The structure is 240 ft (73.1 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over SR1741?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.