US Bridges

I-26 Wbl over SR1501

Fair

Polk County, North Carolina · .6 Mi.W.S.Carolina Line · Structure no. 000000001490023

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 Wbl over SR1501 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 Wbl over SR1501 in Polk County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 13,750 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,500 by 2040. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26 Wbl
CrossesSR1501
Location.6 Mi.W.S.Carolina Line
RouteInterstate 26
CountyPolk County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.19997, -82.17464
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,750 (2020)
Projected traffic27,500 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-26 Wbl over SR1501 built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-26 Wbl over SR1501 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I-26 Wbl over SR1501 carry?

About 13,750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-26 Wbl over SR1501?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 Wbl over SR1501?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.