US Bridges

I40 over Branch

Fair

Haywood County, Tennessee · 1 M S of SR019 · Structure no. 38I00400037

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
34,490
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Branch in Haywood County, Tennessee. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 34,490 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,254 by 2041. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

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CarriesI40
CrossesBranch
Location1 M S of SR019
RouteInterstate 40
CountyHaywood County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.55053, -89.20586
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,490 (2021)
Projected traffic55,254 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$416,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I40 over Branch carry?

About 34,490 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I40 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.