US Bridges

US 278 over Canal

FairPosted for load

Quitman County, Mississippi · 1.8 MI E SR 3 · Structure no. 310000606003350

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Canal in Quitman County, Mississippi. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,500 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 278
CrossesCanal
Location1.8 MI E SR 3
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyQuitman County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.26928, -90.24567
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2023)
Projected traffic4,500 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$360 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Canal built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Canal 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Canal carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Canal?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.