US Bridges

SR 47 over Houlka Creek

FairPosted for load

Clay County, Mississippi · 16.5 MI N SR 50 · Structure no. 310004701301650

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
776 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
450
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 47 over Houlka Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 47 over Houlka Creek in Clay County, Mississippi. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2043. The structure is 776 ft (236.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 47
CrossesHoulka Creek
Location16.5 MI N SR 50
RouteState Highway 47
CountyClay County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.78423, -88.85599
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+29 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length776 ft (236.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2023)
Projected traffic450 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure20
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$664 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 47 over Houlka Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 47 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR 47 over Houlka Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 47 over Houlka Creek?

The structure is 776 ft (236.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR 47 over Houlka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.