US Bridges

SR 3 over Opossum Bayou

Fair

Quitman County, Mississippi · 3.6 MI S SR 6 · Structure no. 310000306015170

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Opossum Bayou is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 3 over Opossum Bayou in Quitman County, Mississippi. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 3,700 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,700 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 3
CrossesOpossum Bayou
Location3.6 MI S SR 6
RouteState Highway 3
CountyQuitman County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.20979, -90.28652
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,700 (2023)
Projected traffic3,700 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Opossum Bayou built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 3 over Opossum Bayou 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Opossum Bayou carry?

About 3,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Opossum Bayou?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 3 over Opossum Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.