US Bridges

I55 over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · .4 MI N of SR175 JCT · Structure no. 79I00550011

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
118,031
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I55 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I55 over Branch in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 56 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 118,031 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 188,850 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long and 177 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI55
CrossesBranch
Location.4 MI N of SR175 JCT
RouteInterstate 55
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.02664, -90.00222
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width177 ft (53.9 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic118,031 (2021)
Projected traffic188,850 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$575,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I55 over Branch built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is I55 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 I55 over Branch carry?

About 118,031 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I55 over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 177 ft wide.

Who owns I55 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.