US Bridges

I40 over Harpeth River

Fair

Cheatham County, Tennessee · .4 M E JCT SR249&I40 · Structure no. 11I00400007

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
599 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
53,557
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Harpeth River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Harpeth River in Cheatham County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 65 years old, older 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 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 53,557 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 85,691 by 2042. The structure is 599 ft (182.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI40
CrossesHarpeth River
Location.4 M E JCT SR249&I40
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCheatham County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.08525, -87.0887
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 20
Structure length599 ft (182.6 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic53,557 (2021)
Projected traffic85,691 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$5.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Harpeth River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is I40 over Harpeth 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Harpeth River carry?

About 53,557 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Harpeth River?

The structure is 599 ft (182.6 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Harpeth River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.