US Bridges

SR 603 over Orphan Creek

Fair

Hancock County, Mississippi · 4.4 MI N SR 43 · Structure no. 310060302301530

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 603 over Orphan Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 603 over Orphan Creek in Hancock County, Mississippi. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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.

It carries about 3,700 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,700 by 2043. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.2 mi (105 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 603
CrossesOrphan Creek
Location4.4 MI N SR 43
RouteState Highway 603
CountyHancock County
StateMississippi
Coordinates30.48835, -89.43052
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,700 (2023)
Projected traffic3,700 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed65.2 mi (105 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 603 over Orphan Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 603 over Orphan 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 603 over Orphan Creek carry?

About 3,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 603 over Orphan Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 603 over Orphan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.