US Bridges

US 278 over Sipsey Creek

Fair

Monroe County, Mississippi · 2.2 MI E SR 8 · Structure no. 210027804802120

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
587 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Sipsey Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Sipsey Creek in Monroe 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 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,500 by 2043. The structure is 587 ft (178.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 278
CrossesSipsey Creek
Location2.2 MI E SR 8
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyMonroe County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.88341, -88.29555
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length587 ft (178.9 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2023)
Projected traffic2,500 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Sipsey Creek built?

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

What condition is US 278 over Sipsey 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Sipsey Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Sipsey Creek?

The structure is 587 ft (178.9 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Sipsey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.