US Bridges

US 278 over Wheeler Creek

Fair

Panola County, Mississippi · 1.6 MI W US 51 · Structure no. 310000605404970

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Wheeler Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Wheeler Creek in Panola County, Mississippi. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 5 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 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,000 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesWheeler Creek
Location1.6 MI W US 51
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyPanola County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.30653, -89.97064
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,000 (2023)
Projected traffic11,000 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$196 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Wheeler Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Wheeler 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Wheeler Creek carry?

About 11,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Wheeler Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns US 278 over Wheeler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.