US Bridges

US 61 over Porters Bayou

Fair

Bolivar County, Mississippi · 2.8 MI N Washington Cl · Structure no. 210006100620980

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 61 over Porters Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying US 61 over Porters Bayou in Bolivar County, Mississippi. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 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 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,300 by 2043. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 61
CrossesPorters Bayou
Location2.8 MI N Washington Cl
RouteU.S. Route 61
Coordinates33.56271, -90.79457
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 rating85.4 US tons
Inventory rating51.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (2023)
Projected traffic7,300 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$449 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 61 over Porters Bayou built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 61 over Porters Bayou 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 US 61 over Porters Bayou carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Porters Bayou?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns US 61 over Porters Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.