US Bridges

I40 over Maxwell Branch

Fair

Putnam County, Tennessee · 0.5 MI W of SR56 · Structure no. 71I00400019

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
51,443
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Maxwell Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Maxwell Branch in Putnam County, Tennessee. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 51,443 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 82,309 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesMaxwell Branch
Location0.5 MI W of SR56
RouteInterstate 40
CountyPutnam County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.13732, -85.62698
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic51,443 (2021)
Projected traffic82,309 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$670,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Maxwell Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Maxwell Branch 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 Maxwell Branch carry?

About 51,443 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Maxwell Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns I40 over Maxwell Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.