US Bridges

I40 over Poplar Creek

Fair

Haywood County, Tennessee · 2 M N of SR76 · Structure no. 38I00400023

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
560 ft
20 main spans
Daily traffic
36,373
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Poplar Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying I40 over Poplar Creek in Haywood County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 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 36,373 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,678 by 2041. The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesPoplar Creek
Location2 M N of SR76
RouteInterstate 40
CountyHaywood County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.49747, -89.26808
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 inspectionAugust 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans20
Design loadHS 20
Structure length560 ft (170.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,373 (2021)
Projected traffic55,678 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Poplar Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is I40 over Poplar 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 Poplar Creek carry?

About 36,373 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Poplar Creek?

The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Poplar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.