US Bridges

I40E over NE Cape Fear River

Fair

New Hanover County, North Carolina · 1.0 Mi. W. Jct. SR1002 · Structure no. 000000001290049

Built
1984
41 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,154 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
34,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40E over NE Cape Fear River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40E over NE Cape Fear River in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It was built in 1984 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 41 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 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 34,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 68,000 by 2040. The structure is 1,154 ft (351.7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40E
CrossesNE Cape Fear River
Location1.0 Mi. W. Jct. SR1002
RouteInterstate 40
CountyNew Hanover County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.3641, -77.88844
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,154 ft (351.7 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,000 (2020)
Projected traffic68,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40E over NE Cape Fear River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is I40E over NE Cape Fear River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I40E over NE Cape Fear River carry?

About 34,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40E over NE Cape Fear River?

The structure is 1,154 ft (351.7 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns I40E over NE Cape Fear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.