US Bridges

US 72 over Wolf River

Fair

Benton County, Mississippi · 5.6 MI E SR 7 · Structure no. 21000720050248B

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
627 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 72 over Wolf River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 72 over Wolf River in Benton County, Mississippi. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 4,000 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,100 by 2043. The structure is 627 ft (191.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 72
CrossesWolf River
Location5.6 MI E SR 7
RouteU.S. Route 72
Coordinates34.94597, -89.19742
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+13 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length627 ft (191.1 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,000 (2023)
Projected traffic4,100 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 72 over Wolf River built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 72 over Wolf 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 72 over Wolf River carry?

About 4,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 72 over Wolf River?

The structure is 627 ft (191.1 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 72 over Wolf River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.