US Bridges

I40 over I40 / Rutledge Pike

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · In Knoxville · Structure no. 47I00400085

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
229 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
68,467
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over I40 / Rutledge Pike is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over I40 / Rutledge Pike in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 57 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 68,467 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 127,808 by 2041. The structure is 229 ft (69.8 m) long and 136 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesI40 / Rutledge Pike
LocationIn Knoxville
RouteInterstate 40
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.00706, -83.8742
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length229 ft (69.8 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width136 ft (41.5 m)
Roadway width134 ft (40.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic68,467 (2021)
Projected traffic127,808 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 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 / Rutledge Pike built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is I40 over I40 / Rutledge Pike 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over I40 / Rutledge Pike carry?

About 68,467 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over I40 / Rutledge Pike?

The structure is 229 ft (69.8 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 136 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over I40 / Rutledge Pike?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.