US Bridges

I40 over SR 73

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · 1.1 MI SE of Pleasant RD · Structure no. 15I00400026

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
149 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,828
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over SR 73 is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over SR 73 in Cocke County, Tennessee. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 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 29,828 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,725 by 2042. The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long and 40 ft wide.

CarriesI40
CrossesSR 73
Location1.1 MI SE of Pleasant RD
RouteInterstate 40
Coordinates35.87923, -83.18653
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.
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 inspectionMay 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length149 ft (45.3 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,828 (2021)
Projected traffic47,725 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over SR 73 built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over SR 73 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over SR 73 carry?

About 29,828 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over SR 73?

The structure is 149 ft (45.3 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over SR 73?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.