US Bridges

Sowashee St. over Branch

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Mississippi · Sec 19 T 6N R16E · Structure no. SA3800000000330

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
260
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sowashee St. over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Sowashee St. over Branch in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 260 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 225 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSowashee St.
CrossesBranch
LocationSec 19 T 6N R16E
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLauderdale County
StateMississippi
Coordinates32.34904, -88.69818
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic260 (2021)
Projected traffic225 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$550,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sowashee St. over Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sowashee St. over Branch 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Sowashee St. over Branch carry?

About 260 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Sowashee St. over Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Sowashee St. over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.