US Bridges

US 278 over Kettle Creek

Fair

Lafayette County, Mississippi · 11.2 MI E SR 7 · Structure no. 31000060360881A

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
201 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Kettle Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Kettle Creek in Lafayette County, Mississippi. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,000 by 2043. The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesKettle Creek
Location11.2 MI E SR 7
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyLafayette County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.31322, -89.3274
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length201 ft (61.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2023)
Projected traffic8,000 by 2043
Trucks14%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Kettle Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Kettle 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Kettle Creek carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Kettle Creek?

The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Kettle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.