US Bridges

SR 178 over Middle Tulip Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Mississippi · 2.9 MI E US 45 · Structure no. 310017804109260

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 178 over Middle Tulip Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 178 over Middle Tulip Creek in Lee County, Mississippi. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,200 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 178
CrossesMiddle Tulip Creek
Location2.9 MI E US 45
RouteState Highway 178
CountyLee County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.25965, -88.64929
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,400 (2023)
Projected traffic7,200 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR 178 over Middle Tulip Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 178 over Middle Tulip 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR 178 over Middle Tulip Creek carry?

About 6,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 178 over Middle Tulip Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 178 over Middle Tulip Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.