US Bridges

US401S over I440

Fair

Wake County, North Carolina · 1.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR2026 · Structure no. 000000001830288

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
243 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
30,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US401S over I440 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US401S over I440 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 30,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 61,500 by 2040. The structure is 243 ft (74 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS401S
CrossesI440
Location1.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR2026
RouteU.S. Route 401
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.81492, -78.60536
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length243 ft (74 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,750 (2022)
Projected traffic61,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
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 US401S over I440 built?

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

What condition is US401S over I440 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 US401S over I440 carry?

About 30,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US401S over I440?

The structure is 243 ft (74 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US401S over I440?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.