US Bridges

US 61 over Porters Bayou

Fair

Bolivar County, Mississippi · At JCT US61 SR448 · Structure no. 210006100621300

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,000
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 10,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

CarriesUS 61
CrossesPorters Bayou
LocationAt JCT US61 SR448
RouteU.S. Route 61
Coordinates33.6013, -90.76535
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2023)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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$378 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 10,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 61 over Porters Bayou?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns US 61 over Porters Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.