US Bridges

I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · 06 MI S of I40-I240 JCT · Structure no. 79I00400055

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
103,151
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1964, 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 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesI40 / Leath Bayou
Location06 MI S of I40-I240 JCT
RouteInterstate 40
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.18, -90.01781
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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
CrossesWaterway
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$857,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou built?

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

What condition is I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou carry?

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

How long is I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns I40 over I40 / Leath Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.