US Bridges

I40 over French Broad River

Fair

Jefferson County, Tennessee · In Jefferson County · Structure no. 45I00400019

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
2,416 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
30,955
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over French Broad River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying I40 over French Broad River in Jefferson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 65 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 30,955 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,528 by 2042. The structure is 2,416 ft (736.4 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesFrench Broad River
LocationIn Jefferson County
RouteInterstate 40
CountyJefferson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.043, -83.33932
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,416 ft (736.4 m)
Longest span312 ft (95.1 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.9 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,955 (2021)
Projected traffic49,528 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$63.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over French Broad River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is I40 over French Broad 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over French Broad River carry?

About 30,955 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over French Broad River?

The structure is 2,416 ft (736.4 m) long with a longest span of 312 ft (95.1 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.