US Bridges

US 49 over Big Biloxi River

Fair

Harrison County, Mississippi · 9.0 MI N I 10 · Structure no. 21000490240138A

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
960 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 49 over Big Biloxi River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 49 over Big Biloxi River in Harrison County, Mississippi. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2043. The structure is 960 ft (292.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 49
CrossesBig Biloxi River
Location9.0 MI N I 10
RouteU.S. Route 49
CountyHarrison County
StateMississippi
Coordinates30.5606, -89.12251
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+27 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length960 ft (292.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2023)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
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 Big Biloxi River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 49 over Big Biloxi 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 49 over Big Biloxi River carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 49 over Big Biloxi River?

The structure is 960 ft (292.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 49 over Big Biloxi River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.