US Bridges

SR 322 over Relief Opening

Fair

Panola County, Mississippi · 2.0 MI E Quitman Cl · Structure no. 310032205404180

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
780
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 322 over Relief Opening is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 322 over Relief Opening in Panola County, Mississippi. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 780 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 780 by 2043. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 322
CrossesRelief Opening
Location2.0 MI E Quitman Cl
RouteState Highway 322
CountyPanola County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.17991, -90.10717
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic780 (2023)
Projected traffic780 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$420 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 322 over Relief Opening built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 322 over Relief Opening 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 322 over Relief Opening carry?

About 780 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 322 over Relief Opening?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 322 over Relief Opening?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.