US Bridges

I55 over Mill Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · 1 M N of Miss-Tn ST LN · Structure no. 79I00550005

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
104,835
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I55 over Mill Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I55 over Mill Branch in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 65 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 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 104,835 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 167,736 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 170 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI55
CrossesMill Branch
Location1 M N of Miss-Tn ST LN
RouteInterstate 55
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.01414, -90.00228
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width170 ft (51.9 m)
Roadway width120 ft (36.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic104,835 (2021)
Projected traffic167,736 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$650,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I55 over Mill Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is I55 over Mill 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I55 over Mill Branch carry?

About 104,835 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I55 over Mill Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m) and a deck 170 ft wide.

Who owns I55 over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.