US Bridges

I40 over Branch

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · 6.8 MI SE JCT I40 & SR73 · Structure no. 15I00400041

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30,097
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 1974, so it is 51 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 26 ft (7.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

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CarriesI40
CrossesBranch
Location6.8 MI SE JCT I40 & SR73
RouteInterstate 40
CountyCocke County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.8181, -83.1435
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 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
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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
CrossesWaterway
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$406,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Branch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 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 30,097 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.8 m).

Who owns I40 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.