US Bridges

I55 NB over I55 NB / Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · I55 & I240 JCT · Structure no. 79I00550039

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
56 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
97,284
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I55 NB over I55 NB / Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I55 NB over I55 NB / Branch in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 97,284 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,288 by 2040. The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesI55 NB
CrossesI55 NB / Branch
LocationI55 & I240 JCT
RouteInterstate 55
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.07478, -90.03036
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 inspectionDecember 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 rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic97,284 (2021)
Projected traffic28,288 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I55 NB over I55 NB / Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is I55 NB over I55 NB / 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does I55 NB over I55 NB / Branch carry?

About 97,284 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I55 NB over I55 NB / Branch?

The structure is 56 ft (17 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns I55 NB over I55 NB / Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.