US Bridges

I40 over I-40 / Smith Ave.

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · 1 MI S of I40 -Sr 300 JCT · Structure no. 79I00400051

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
148 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
103,151
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over I-40 / Smith Ave. is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over I-40 / Smith Ave. in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 61 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 103,151 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 165,042 by 2042. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 114 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesI40
CrossesI-40 / Smith Ave.
Location1 MI S of I40 -Sr 300 JCT
RouteInterstate 40
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.17434, -90.01825
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.6 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 length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span75 ft (23 m)
Deck width114 ft (34.8 m)
Roadway width110 ft (33.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic103,151 (2021)
Projected traffic165,042 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$3.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over I-40 / Smith Ave. built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is I40 over I-40 / Smith Ave. 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 I-40 / Smith Ave. carry?

About 103,151 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I40 over I-40 / Smith Ave.?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (23 m) and a deck 114 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over I-40 / Smith Ave.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.