US Bridges

I40 over I40 / University Ave.

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · Downtown Knoxville · Structure no. 47I00400049

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
461 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
139,697
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over I40 / University Ave. is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over I40 / University Ave. in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1982, 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 139,697 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 223,515 by 2042. The structure is 461 ft (140.4 m) long and 126 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesI40 / University Ave.
LocationDowntown Knoxville
RouteInterstate 40
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.96323, -83.94628
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length461 ft (140.4 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width126 ft (38.4 m)
Roadway width124 ft (37.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic139,697 (2021)
Projected traffic223,515 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over I40 / University Ave. built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is I40 over I40 / University Ave. 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over I40 / University Ave. carry?

About 139,697 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over I40 / University Ave.?

The structure is 461 ft (140.4 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 126 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over I40 / University Ave.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.