US Bridges

I40 over Caney Fork River

Fair

Smith County, Tennessee · In Smith Co. · Structure no. 80I00400031

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
394 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
44,898
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I40 over Caney Fork River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I40 over Caney Fork River 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 44,898 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,837 by 2042. The structure is 394 ft (120.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI40
CrossesCaney Fork River
LocationIn Smith Co.
RouteInterstate 40
CountySmith County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.13997, -85.83192
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length394 ft (120.1 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 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 traffic71,837 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 Caney Fork River built?

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

What condition is I40 over Caney Fork River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I40 over Caney Fork River carry?

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

How long is I40 over Caney Fork River?

The structure is 394 ft (120.1 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I40 over Caney Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.