US Bridges

I40 over Third Creek

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · 4 M SW of I75 · Structure no. 47I00400039

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
182,502
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Third Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Third Creek in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 60 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 182,502 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 344,352 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesThird Creek
Location4 M SW of I75
RouteInterstate 40
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.95668, -83.97108
Functional classUrban 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum 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 length40 ft (12.2 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 traffic182,502 (2021)
Projected traffic344,352 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$736,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Third Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is I40 over Third 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Third Creek carry?

About 182,502 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Third Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I40 over Third Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.