US Bridges

I40 US117 NC132 over Smith Creek

Fair

New Hanover County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi.E. of JCT.SR2048 · Structure no. 000000001290062

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
59,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 US117 NC132 over Smith Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 US117 NC132 over Smith Creek in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 59,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 118,000 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40 US117 NC132
CrossesSmith Creek
Location0.1 Mi.E. of JCT.SR2048
RouteInterstate 40
CountyNew Hanover County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.27536, -77.86811
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic59,000 (2022)
Projected traffic118,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-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 I40 US117 NC132 over Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 US117 NC132 over Smith 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does I40 US117 NC132 over Smith Creek carry?

About 59,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 US117 NC132 over Smith Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns I40 US117 NC132 over Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.