US Bridges

US 51 over Relief

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Mississippi · 8.6 MI N SR 22 · Structure no. 210005104513000

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
228 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
780
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 51 over Relief is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 51 over Relief in Madison County, Mississippi. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 years old, older than the Mississippi average of 38.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 780 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 780 by 2043. The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

CarriesUS 51
CrossesRelief
Location8.6 MI N SR 22
RouteU.S. Route 51
Coordinates32.72966, -89.99378
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 6 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadH 15
Structure length228 ft (69.5 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic780 (2023)
Projected traffic780 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$615 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 51 over Relief built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 51 over Relief in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does US 51 over Relief carry?

About 780 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 51 over Relief?

The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US 51 over Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.