US Bridges

I-26 Wbl over N. Pacolet River SR1516

Fair

Polk County, North Carolina · 2.2 MI.E.JCT.NC108 · Structure no. 000000001490048

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

About this bridge

I-26 Wbl over N. Pacolet River SR1516 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 Wbl over N. Pacolet River SR1516 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 325 ft (99 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
CrossesN. Pacolet River SR1516
Location2.2 MI.E.JCT.NC108
RouteInterstate 26
CountyPolk County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.21476, -82.18543
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length325 ft (99 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 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 and waterway
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 I-26 Wbl over N. Pacolet River SR1516 built?

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

What condition is I-26 Wbl over N. Pacolet River SR1516 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 N. Pacolet River SR1516 carry?

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

How long is I-26 Wbl over N. Pacolet River SR1516?

The structure is 325 ft (99 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 Wbl over N. Pacolet River SR1516?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.