US Bridges

Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower River

FairPosted for load

Bolivar County, Mississippi · Sec 24 T23N R 5W B · Structure no. SA0600000000143

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
380 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,300
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower River in Bolivar County, Mississippi. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 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 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,950 by 2041. The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesMerigold-Drew Rd.
CrossesSunflower River
LocationSec 24 T23N R 5W B
RouteCounty Highway 602
CountyBolivar County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.83186, -90.67289
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length380 ft (115.8 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2021)
Projected traffic1,950 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower River carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower River?

The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Merigold-Drew Rd. over Sunflower River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.