US Bridges

US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway

Fair

Monroe County, Mississippi · 1.8 MI W SR 25 South · Structure no. 210027804800600

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,902 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway in Monroe County, Mississippi. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,000 by 2043. The structure is 1,902 ft (579.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesTenn Tom Waterway
Location1.8 MI W SR 25 South
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyMonroe County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.98161, -88.52324
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,902 ft (579.8 m)
Longest span400 ft (121.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 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 closed28 mi (45 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway carry?

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

How long is US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway?

The structure is 1,902 ft (579.8 m) long with a longest span of 400 ft (121.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Tenn Tom Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.