US Bridges

SR 161 over Sunflower River

Fair

Coahoma County, Mississippi · 8.3 MI N Bolivar Cl · Structure no. 210006101425930

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
520 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 161 over Sunflower River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 161 over Sunflower River in Coahoma County, Mississippi. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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.

It carries about 17,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,000 by 2043. The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 161
CrossesSunflower River
Location8.3 MI N Bolivar Cl
RouteState Highway 161
CountyCoahoma County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.19202, -90.57172
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+11 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length520 ft (158.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width69 ft (21 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,000 (2023)
Projected traffic17,000 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$420 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 161 over Sunflower River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 161 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR 161 over Sunflower River carry?

About 17,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SR 161 over Sunflower River?

The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns SR 161 over Sunflower River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.