US Bridges

Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal

Fair

Bolivar County, Mississippi · Sec 11 T21N R 6W · Structure no. SA0600000000043

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal in Bolivar County, Mississippi. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2035. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesHoward Road
CrossesBear Pen Canal
LocationSec 11 T21N R 6W
RouteCounty Highway 399
CountyBolivar County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.67481, -90.79128
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2015)
Projected traffic60 by 2035
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$240,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Howard Road over Bear Pen Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.