US Bridges

I40 over Tennessee River

Fair

Benton County, Tennessee · 8 Mi.From Decatur Co.Ln. · Structure no. 03I00400009

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,670 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,649
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Tennessee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I40 over Tennessee River in Benton County, Tennessee. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger than the Tennessee average of 47.4 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 35,649 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,038 by 2042. The structure is 2,670 ft (813.8 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 73.9 mi (119 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesTennessee River
Location8 Mi.From Decatur Co.Ln.
RouteInterstate 40
CountyBenton County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.86858, -87.94542
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.7 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+12 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,670 ft (813.8 m)
Longest span450 ft (137.2 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,649 (2021)
Projected traffic57,038 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed73.9 mi (119 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$113 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Tennessee River 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Tennessee River carry?

About 35,649 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 2,670 ft (813.8 m) long with a longest span of 450 ft (137.2 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.