US Bridges

I40 over I40 / SR 53

Fair

Smith County, Tennessee · In Smith Co. · Structure no. 80I00400013

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
168 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45,338
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over I40 / SR 53 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over I40 / SR 53 in Smith County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 63 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 45,338 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,798 by 2041. The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long and 44 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesI40 / SR 53
LocationIn Smith Co.
RouteInterstate 40
CountySmith County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.17878, -85.96922
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length168 ft (51.2 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,338 (2021)
Projected traffic65,798 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I40 over I40 / SR 53 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is I40 over I40 / SR 53 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I40 over I40 / SR 53 carry?

About 45,338 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I40 over I40 / SR 53?

The structure is 168 ft (51.2 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over I40 / SR 53?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.