US Bridges

I40 over Wolf River

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · .5 MI W of I240 JCT · Structure no. 79I00400103

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,145 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
174,067
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Wolf River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Wolf River in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger 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 174,067 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 278,507 by 2042. The structure is 1,145 ft (349 m) long and 206 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesWolf River
Location.5 MI W of I240 JCT
RouteInterstate 40
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.1558, -89.87975
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+7 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,145 ft (349 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width206 ft (62.8 m)
Roadway width92 ft (28 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic174,067 (2021)
Projected traffic278,507 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure11
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$55.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Wolf River built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Wolf River 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 Wolf River carry?

About 174,067 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Wolf River?

The structure is 1,145 ft (349 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 206 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Wolf River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.