US Bridges

I440 over Big Branch

Fair

Wake County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. W JCT.SR2000 · Structure no. 000000001830272

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
110,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I440 over Big Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I440 over Big Branch in Wake County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 110,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 220,000 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI440
CrossesBig Branch
Location0.6 Mi. W JCT.SR2000
RouteInterstate 440
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.83047, -78.62881
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110,000 (2020)
Projected traffic220,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I440 over Big Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I440 over Big Branch 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does I440 over Big Branch carry?

About 110,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I440 over Big Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I440 over Big Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.