US Bridges

US 278 over Harris Creek

Fair

Panola County, Mississippi · 3.4 MI E I 55 · Structure no. 310000605405650

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Harris Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Harris Creek in Panola County, Mississippi. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 17,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,000 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesHarris Creek
Location3.4 MI E I 55
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates34.32087, -89.85631
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.4 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,000 (2023)
Projected traffic17,000 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$431 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Harris Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Harris 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 Harris Creek carry?

About 17,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Harris Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns US 278 over Harris Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.