US Bridges

US 49 over Big Black River Relief

Fair

Madison County, Mississippi · 4.9 MI N SR 22 · Structure no. 21000490451833A

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
282 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 49 over Big Black River Relief is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 49 over Big Black River Relief in Madison County, Mississippi. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,500 by 2043. The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesUS 49
CrossesBig Black River Relief
Location4.9 MI N SR 22
RouteU.S. Route 49
Coordinates32.59848, -90.35929
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating85.2 US tons
Inventory rating44.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length282 ft (86 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2023)
Projected traffic6,500 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 49 over Big Black River Relief built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 49 over Big Black River Relief 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 49 over Big Black River Relief carry?

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

How long is US 49 over Big Black River Relief?

The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 49 over Big Black River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.