US Bridges

SR 9 over Cowpen Creek

FairPosted for load

Calhoun County, Mississippi · 0.8 MI E SR 331 · Structure no. 310000900706080

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Cowpen Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 9 over Cowpen Creek in Calhoun County, Mississippi. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesCowpen Creek
Location0.8 MI E SR 331
RouteState Highway 9
CountyCalhoun County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.1019, -89.32295
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2023)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 over Cowpen Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.