US Bridges

I40 over Indian Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Tennessee · 0.9 MI FM Smith Putnam Cl · Structure no. 71I00400003

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
224 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Indian Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Indian Creek in Putnam County, Tennessee. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2000, 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 45,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,837 by 2042. The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long and 127 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesIndian Creek
Location0.9 MI FM Smith Putnam Cl
RouteInterstate 40
CountyPutnam County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.14022, -85.79017
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length224 ft (68.3 m)
Longest span75 ft (23 m)
Deck width127 ft (38.6 m)
Roadway width120 ft (36.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,600 (2023)
Projected traffic71,837 by 2042
Trucks7%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Indian Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is I40 over Indian 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over Indian Creek carry?

About 45,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Indian Creek?

The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (23 m) and a deck 127 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Indian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.