US Bridges

I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · I40 & 1240 East JCT · Structure no. 79I00400101

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
197 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
206,483
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 63 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 206,483 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 205,192 by 2042. The structure is 197 ft (60 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesI40
CrossesI-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd
LocationI40 & 1240 East JCT
RouteInterstate 240
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.1515, -89.88525
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length197 ft (60 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic206,483 (2021)
Projected traffic205,192 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd carry?

About 206,483 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd?

The structure is 197 ft (60 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over I-240 / Sam Cooper Blvd?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.