US Bridges

US 49 over Morris Branch

Good

Forrest County, Mississippi · 14.9 MI N SR 13 · Structure no. 21000490180570B

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 49 over Morris Branch is a concrete slab carrying US 49 over Morris Branch in Forrest County, Mississippi. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Mississippi average of 38.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,500 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 49
CrossesMorris Branch
Location14.9 MI N SR 13
RouteU.S. Route 49
CountyForrest County
StateMississippi
Coordinates31.15742, -89.23891
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.9 US tons
Inventory rating42.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2023)
Projected traffic9,500 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 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 US 49 over Morris Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 49 over Morris Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does US 49 over Morris Branch carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 49 over Morris Branch?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 49 over Morris Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.