US Bridges

I-65S over Elk River

Fair

Giles County, Tennessee · 4 MI N Ala-Tn ST Li · Structure no. 28I00650010

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
673 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
26,659
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65S over Elk River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-65S over Elk River in Giles County, Tennessee. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 26,659 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,654 by 2042. The structure is 673 ft (205.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-65S
CrossesElk River
Location4 MI N Ala-Tn ST Li
RouteInterstate 65
CountyGiles County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.05043, -86.88061
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length673 ft (205.2 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck99 ft (30.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,659 (2021)
Projected traffic42,654 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65S over Elk River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-65S over Elk 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I-65S over Elk River carry?

About 26,659 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I-65S over Elk River?

The structure is 673 ft (205.2 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-65S over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.