US Bridges

I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon River

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · 10 Mi. S. of Newport · Structure no. 15I00400033

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
574 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
30,097
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon River in Cocke County, Tennessee. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 30,097 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,155 by 2042. The structure is 574 ft (175.1 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesI40
CrossesNfa 931 & Pigeon River
Location10 Mi. S. of Newport
RouteInterstate 40
Coordinates35.81517, -83.1785
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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length574 ft (175.1 m)
Longest span127 ft (38.6 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.3 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,097 (2021)
Projected traffic48,155 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$10.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon River carry?

About 30,097 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon River?

The structure is 574 ft (175.1 m) long with a longest span of 127 ft (38.6 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Nfa 931 & Pigeon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.