US Bridges

I 59 over Chunky River

Fair

Lauderdale County, Mississippi · 0.2 MI N Clarke Cl · Structure no. 11000590381382B

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Concrete Continuous
Length
480 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 59 over Chunky River is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - single or spread carrying I 59 over Chunky River in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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.

It carries about 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,500 by 2043. The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 59
CrossesChunky River
Location0.2 MI N Clarke Cl
RouteInterstate 59
CountyLauderdale County
StateMississippi
Coordinates32.22628, -88.83264
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.8 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length480 ft (146.3 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2023)
Projected traffic6,500 by 2043
Trucks35%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$555 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 59 over Chunky River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 59 over Chunky 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I 59 over Chunky River carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is I 59 over Chunky River?

The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I 59 over Chunky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.