US Bridges

Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River

Fair

Smith County, Mississippi · Sec 3 T10N R14W · Structure no. SA6500000000119

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
200 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River is a concrete culvert carrying Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River in Smith County, Mississippi. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 6 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 70 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 105 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSmith Co. 15
CrossesBranch of Leaf River
LocationSec 3 T10N R14W
RouteCounty Highway 20
Coordinates31.86575, -89.39731
Functional classRural Local

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans200
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2024)
Projected traffic105 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure20
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Smith Co. 15 over Branch of Leaf River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.