US Bridges

I40 over Hickman Creek & Nfa A156

Fair

Smith County, Tennessee · In Smith Co. · Structure no. 80I00400022

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
242 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44,898
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Hickman Creek & Nfa A156 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Hickman Creek & Nfa A156 in Smith County, Tennessee. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1990, 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 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 44,898 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,931 by 2041. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI40
CrossesHickman Creek & Nfa A156
LocationIn Smith Co.
RouteInterstate 40
Coordinates36.17193, -85.91057
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,898 (2021)
Projected traffic65,931 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 I40 over Hickman Creek & Nfa A156 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is I40 over Hickman Creek & Nfa A156 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 Hickman Creek & Nfa A156 carry?

About 44,898 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I40 over Hickman Creek & Nfa A156?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Hickman Creek & Nfa A156?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.