US Bridges

US 51 over Branch

Fair

Panola County, Mississippi · 5.3 MI N SR 6 · Structure no. 210005105425390

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 51 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 51 over Branch in Panola County, Mississippi. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 4,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,400 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 51
CrossesBranch
Location5.3 MI N SR 6
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyPanola County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.37796, -89.93102
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
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,400 (2023)
Projected traffic4,400 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$175 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 51 over Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 51 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 51 over Branch carry?

About 4,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 51 over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 51 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.