US Bridges

US 51 over Relief

Fair

Madison County, Mississippi · 0.5 MI N SR 17 · Structure no. 210005104513860

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
225 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
930
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 1939, so it is 86 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 930 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 930 by 2043. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 51
CrossesRelief
Location0.5 MI N SR 17
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyMadison County
StateMississippi
Coordinates32.8549, -89.97071
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic930 (2023)
Projected traffic930 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 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$606 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 51 over Relief built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 51 over Relief 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 51 over Relief carry?

About 930 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 51 over Relief?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US 51 over Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.