US Bridges

I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · Near SR-4 Jct. · Structure no. 79I02400089

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
148,274
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 5 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 148,274 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 240,688 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesI-240 EB
CrossesCherokee Bayou
LocationNear SR-4 Jct.
RouteInterstate 240
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.07944, -89.95658
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic148,274 (2021)
Projected traffic240,688 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-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$376,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou carry?

About 148,274 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-240 EB over Cherokee Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.