US Bridges

SR 8 over Houlka Creek

FairPosted for load

Chickasaw County, Mississippi · 1.9 MI E Natchez Trace · Structure no. 310000800913190

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
260 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 8 over Houlka Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 8 over Houlka Creek in Chickasaw County, Mississippi. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,100 by 2043. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 8
CrossesHoulka Creek
Location1.9 MI E Natchez Trace
RouteState Highway 8
CountyChickasaw County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.84159, -88.93275
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2023)
Projected traffic2,100 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 8 over Houlka Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 8 over Houlka 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 8 over Houlka Creek carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 8 over Houlka Creek?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 8 over Houlka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.