US Bridges

NC86 over I40

Fair

Orange County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. S. Jct. SR1730 · Structure no. 000000001350266

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
311 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
28,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC86 over I40 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC86 over I40 in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 28,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,000 by 2040. The structure is 311 ft (94.7 m) long and 67 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC86
CrossesI40
Location0.1 Mi. S. Jct. SR1730
RouteState Highway 86
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.97108, -79.0626
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length311 ft (94.7 m)
Longest span102 ft (31 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.3 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,000 (2021)
Projected traffic56,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 NC86 over I40 built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC86 over I40 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NC86 over I40 carry?

About 28,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC86 over I40?

The structure is 311 ft (94.7 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns NC86 over I40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.