US Bridges

US 49 over Big Biloxi River

Fair

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

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
540 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 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 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2043. The structure is 540 ft (164.6 m) long and 33 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
Coordinates30.55795, -89.12179
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating49.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+13 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length540 ft (164.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 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 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 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 Big Biloxi River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 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 540 ft (164.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 49 over Big Biloxi River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.