US Bridges

I40 over Big Branch Creek

Fair

Wake County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. N. of Jct. SR2547 · Structure no. 000000001830608

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
119,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Big Branch Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Big Branch Creek in Wake 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 119,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 238,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesBig Branch Creek
Location0.6 Mi. N. of Jct. SR2547
RouteInterstate 40
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.73124, -78.58736
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 inspectionNovember 2024
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating84 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic119,000 (2022)
Projected traffic238,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Big Branch Creek built?

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

What condition is I40 over Big Branch Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Big Branch Creek carry?

About 119,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Big Branch Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I40 over Big Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.