US Bridges

I-26 over US23

Fair

Madison County, North Carolina · .6 Mi.E.Jct.Tenn.St. · Structure no. 000000001150548

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
152 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 over US23 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 over US23 in Madison 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,000 by 2040. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 110 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26
CrossesUS23
Location.6 Mi.E.Jct.Tenn.St.
RouteInterstate 26
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.95332, -82.56128
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width110 ft (33.6 m)
Roadway width105 ft (32 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,000 (2022)
Projected traffic22,000 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-26 over US23 built?

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

What condition is I-26 over US23 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I-26 over US23 carry?

About 11,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-26 over US23?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 110 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 over US23?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.