US Bridges

I-40 over Curtis Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .7 MI.W.JCT.SR1234 · Structure no. 000000001110357

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40 over Curtis Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-40 over Curtis Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 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 27,500 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,000 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesI-40
CrossesCurtis Creek
Location.7 MI.W.JCT.SR1234
RouteInterstate 40
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.63797, -82.15789
Functional classRural 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,500 (2020)
Projected traffic55,000 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-40 over Curtis Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40 over Curtis 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 Curtis Creek carry?

About 27,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-40 over Curtis Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns I-40 over Curtis Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.