US Bridges

I40 over Prairie Creek

Fair

Haywood County, Tennessee · 0.1 M SE of Jeter Creek · Structure no. 38I00400017

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
36,663
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Prairie Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Prairie Creek in Haywood County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 36,663 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,394 by 2041. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location0.1 M SE of Jeter Creek
RouteInterstate 40
CountyHaywood County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.45414, -89.31245
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,663 (2021)
Projected traffic54,394 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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$698,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Prairie Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I40 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 36,663 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I40 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.