US Bridges

I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312

FairPosted for load

Shelby County, Tennessee · Arkansas State Line · Structure no. 79I00550101

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
5,222 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
69,044
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312 is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312 in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 69,044 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 67,200 by 2042. The structure is 5,222 ft (1,591.7 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesI-55
CrossesMiss River & Cord 312
LocationArkansas State Line
RouteInterstate 55
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.13, -90.08
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+27 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length5,222 ft (1,591.7 m)
Longest span790 ft (240.8 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic69,044 (2021)
Projected traffic67,200 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312 built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312 carry?

About 69,044 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312?

The structure is 5,222 ft (1,591.7 m) long with a longest span of 790 ft (240.8 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns I-55 over Miss River & Cord 312?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.