US Bridges

US 278 over Mud Creek

Good

Pontotoc County, Mississippi · 8.4 MI W Lafayette Cl · Structure no. 31000060581013B

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
212 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Mud Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Mud Creek in Pontotoc County, Mississippi. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Mississippi average of 38.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,500 by 2043. The structure is 212 ft (64.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesMud Creek
Location8.4 MI W Lafayette Cl
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates34.28405, -89.10325
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length212 ft (64.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (2023)
Projected traffic5,500 by 2043
Trucks9%
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 Mud Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Mud Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Mud Creek carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Mud Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Mud Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.