US Bridges

US 278 over Tombigbee River

Fair

Monroe County, Mississippi · 3.5 MI W SR 25 South · Structure no. 210027804800430

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,042 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Tombigbee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Tombigbee River in Monroe County, Mississippi. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,000 by 2043. The structure is 1,042 ft (317.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesTombigbee River
Location3.5 MI W SR 25 South
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates33.98562, -88.55232
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,042 ft (317.6 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2023)
Projected traffic8,000 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Tombigbee River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Tombigbee 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Tombigbee River carry?

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

How long is US 278 over Tombigbee River?

The structure is 1,042 ft (317.6 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Tombigbee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.