US Bridges

I40 over Hope Creek

Fair

Loudon County, Tennessee · 1 M S of I75 · Structure no. 53I00400011

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
41,804
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Hope Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Hope Creek in Loudon County, Tennessee. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 41,804 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,886 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesHope Creek
Location1 M S of I75
RouteInterstate 40
CountyLoudon County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.87033, -84.26244
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,804 (2021)
Projected traffic66,886 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$688,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Hope Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Hope 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Hope Creek carry?

About 41,804 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Hope Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns I40 over Hope Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.