US Bridges

US 45 over Ponta Creek

Good

Lauderdale County, Mississippi · 3.3 MI S Kemper Cl · Structure no. 21000450380897A

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Ponta Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 45 over Ponta Creek in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older than the Mississippi average of 38.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,150 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,300 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesPonta Creek
Location3.3 MI S Kemper Cl
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyLauderdale County
StateMississippi
Coordinates32.53009, -88.5122
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,150 (2023)
Projected traffic4,300 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Ponta Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 45 over Ponta Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does US 45 over Ponta Creek carry?

About 3,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Ponta Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Ponta Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.