US Bridges

I40 over Branch

Good

Smith County, Tennessee · At Wilson-Smith Co. Line · Structure no. 80I00400001

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44,993
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I40 over Branch in Smith 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 44,993 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 61,686 by 2041. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesBranch
LocationAt Wilson-Smith Co. Line
RouteInterstate 40
CountySmith County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.17157, -86.08707
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,993 (2021)
Projected traffic61,686 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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$536,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over Branch built?

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

What condition is I40 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does I40 over Branch carry?

About 44,993 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I40 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.