US Bridges

University Ave over Gertrude Ford

FairPosted for load

Lafayette County, Mississippi · Sec 20 T 8S R 3W · Structure no. SA3600000000053

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
161 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,000
2014 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Ave over Gertrude Ford is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying University Ave over Gertrude Ford in Lafayette County, Mississippi. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 years old, older than the Mississippi average of 38.9 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 12,000 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,000 by 2034. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUniversity Ave
CrossesGertrude Ford
LocationSec 20 T 8S R 3W
RouteCity Street 8602
CountyLafayette County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.36484, -89.53013
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,000 (2014)
Projected traffic18,000 by 2034
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$474,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was University Ave over Gertrude Ford built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Ave over Gertrude Ford 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does University Ave over Gertrude Ford carry?

About 12,000 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is University Ave over Gertrude Ford?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns University Ave over Gertrude Ford?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.