US Bridges

I-240 over Black Bayou

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · 0.4 Mi. W of SR-176 · Structure no. 79I02400097

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
204 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
152,544
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-240 over Black Bayou is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying I-240 over Black Bayou in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2003, 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 152,544 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 236,576 by 2040. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 180 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-240
CrossesBlack Bayou
Location0.4 Mi. W of SR-176
RouteInterstate 240
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.08086, -89.93855
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width180 ft (54.8 m)
Roadway width178 ft (54.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic152,544 (2021)
Projected traffic236,576 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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 I-240 over Black Bayou built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is I-240 over Black 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 over Black Bayou carry?

About 152,544 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I-240 over Black Bayou?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 180 ft wide.

Who owns I-240 over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.