US Bridges

Rocky Branch Road over Black Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Mississippi · Sec 27 T 5N R16W B · Structure no. SA3700000000119

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
173 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
760
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rocky Branch Road over Black Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rocky Branch Road over Black Creek in Lamar 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 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 760 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 890 by 2046. The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRocky Branch Road
CrossesBlack Creek
LocationSec 27 T 5N R16W B
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyLamar County
StateMississippi
Coordinates31.36516, -89.59705
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length173 ft (52.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic760 (2024)
Projected traffic890 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rocky Branch Road over Black Creek built?

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

What condition is Rocky Branch Road over Black 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 2024.

How much traffic does Rocky Branch Road over Black Creek carry?

About 760 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Rocky Branch Road over Black Creek?

The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Rocky Branch Road over Black Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.