US Bridges

I-40 Wbl over South Muddy Creek

Good

McDowell County, North Carolina · .6 MI.E.JCT.SR1763 · Structure no. 000000001110165

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
292 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
18,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 Wbl over South Muddy Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40 Wbl over South Muddy Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 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 18,500 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,000 by 2040. The structure is 292 ft (89 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40 Wbl
CrossesSouth Muddy Creek
Location.6 MI.E.JCT.SR1763
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.69588, -81.86511
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.9 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length292 ft (89 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,500 (2019)
Projected traffic37,000 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 South Muddy Creek built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 Wbl over South Muddy Creek 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 May 2022.

How much traffic does I-40 Wbl over South Muddy Creek carry?

About 18,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-40 Wbl over South Muddy Creek?

The structure is 292 ft (89 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-40 Wbl over South Muddy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.