US Bridges

I40 over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · 2 MI E of I240 JCT · Structure no. 79I00400107

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
143,913
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Branch in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 143,913 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 230,261 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 144 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesBranch
Location2 MI E of I240 JCT
RouteInterstate 40
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.16928, -89.85044
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width144 ft (43.9 m)
Roadway width141 ft (43 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic143,913 (2021)
Projected traffic230,261 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Branch built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is I40 over Branch 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 Branch carry?

About 143,913 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Branch?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 144 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.