US Bridges

I40 over I40 / Holston R. &sr 168

Fair

Knox County, Tennessee · 2.4 M SE of Hammer RD · Structure no. 47I00400099

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,194 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
77,847
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over I40 / Holston R. &sr 168 is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I40 over I40 / Holston R. &sr 168 in Knox County, Tennessee. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 54 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 77,847 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 118,624 by 2041. The structure is 1,194 ft (363.9 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesI40
CrossesI40 / Holston R. &sr 168
Location2.4 M SE of Hammer RD
RouteInterstate 40
CountyKnox County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.00793, -83.82835
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating22.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,194 ft (363.9 m)
Longest span240 ft (73.2 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.2 m)
Roadway width107 ft (32.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic77,847 (2021)
Projected traffic118,624 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$7.7 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over I40 / Holston R. &sr 168 built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is I40 over I40 / Holston R. &sr 168 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 I40 / Holston R. &sr 168 carry?

About 77,847 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over I40 / Holston R. &sr 168?

The structure is 1,194 ft (363.9 m) long with a longest span of 240 ft (73.2 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over I40 / Holston R. &sr 168?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.