US Bridges

I55 over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · .1 MI W of SR 14 JCT · Structure no. 79I00550059

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
68,688
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 1963, so it is 62 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 68,688 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 90,704 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI55
CrossesBranch
Location.1 MI W of SR 14 JCT
RouteInterstate 55
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.08014, -90.05908
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic68,688 (2021)
Projected traffic90,704 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
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$511,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I55 over Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

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 January 2025.

How much traffic does I55 over Branch carry?

About 68,688 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I55 over Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I55 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.