US Bridges

I40 over Branch

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · W. of Newport · Structure no. 15I00400039

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,052
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Branch in Cocke County, Tennessee. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 35,052 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,083 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 238 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesBranch
LocationW. of Newport
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCocke County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.96758, -83.24705
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width238 ft (72.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,052 (2021)
Projected traffic56,083 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$497,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Branch 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 Branch carry?

About 35,052 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 238 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.