US 64 (State Route 40) Bridge Replacement

Overview

The proposed project for US 64 (State Route 40) over the Ocoee River in Polk County includes construction of a new bridge on new alignment. The project also includes intersection improvements at Hildabrand Road to the west and Welcome Valley Road to the east.

Purpose and Need

The section of US 64 over the Ocoee River is classified as a Rural Principal Arterial route. It is part of a larger corridor that runs 394 miles across the southern portion of Tennessee, connecting rural cities and communities.

Originally built in 1937, the bridge has surpassed the average lifespan for its type and is showing structural and functional deterioration.

The proposed new bridge would improve the safety and operation of the facility, updating the bridge to current standards and allowing for future expansion.

Location Map

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Design

The existing bridge is a six-span, concrete T-beam bridge. It is 546 feet long with two 12-foot travel lanes (one in each direction) and one-foot shoulders. It will be replaced with a three-span, steel I-beam bridge. The new structure will be approximately 600 feet long with two 12-foot travel lanes (one in each direction), a dedicated center turn lane, and 10-foot shoulders.

The new bridge will be built on new alignment, to the north of the existing bridge, and will accommodate future widening to a four-lane facility.

Additionally, the new structure will be a signature bridge with visually appealing features including the Ocoee River emblem, rock finishes, aesthetic bridge rail, and lighting.  

Design Renderings

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