US Bridges

I40 over Paw Paw Creek

Fair

Roane County, Tennessee · .2 M W Loudon CO LN · Structure no. 73I00400037

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
42,725
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Paw Paw Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Paw Paw Creek in Roane County, Tennessee. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 42,725 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 70,912 by 2040. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesPaw Paw Creek
Location.2 M W Loudon CO LN
RouteInterstate 40
CountyRoane County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.87922, -84.33552
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 inspectionSeptember 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 rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,725 (2021)
Projected traffic70,912 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$644,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Paw Paw Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Paw Paw 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 Paw Paw Creek carry?

About 42,725 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Paw Paw Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I40 over Paw Paw Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.