US Bridges

US 278 over Hotophia Creek

Fair

Panola County, Mississippi · 4.0 MI E I 55 · Structure no. 31000060540571B

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
202 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Hotophia Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Hotophia Creek in Panola County, Mississippi. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,500 by 2043. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesHotophia Creek
Location4.0 MI E I 55
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyPanola County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.32292, -89.84612
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2023)
Projected traffic9,500 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Hotophia Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Hotophia 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 Hotophia Creek carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Hotophia Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Hotophia Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.