US Bridges

US 51 over Purple Creek

Good

Madison County, Mississippi · 0.7 MI N I 55 · Structure no. 210005104510680

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
28,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 51 over Purple Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 51 over Purple Creek in Madison County, Mississippi. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 28,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,000 by 2043. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesUS 51
CrossesPurple Creek
Location0.7 MI N I 55
RouteU.S. Route 51
Coordinates32.41316, -90.1397
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,000 (2023)
Projected traffic28,000 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$340 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 51 over Purple Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 51 over Purple 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 51 over Purple Creek carry?

About 28,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 51 over Purple Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns US 51 over Purple Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.