US Bridges

US 278 over Relief Opening

Fair

Quitman County, Mississippi · 5.5 MI E SR 3 · Structure no. 310000606003720

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Relief Opening is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Relief Opening 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 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 5,300 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,400 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 278
CrossesRelief Opening
Location5.5 MI E SR 3
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyQuitman County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.28385, -90.18543
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,300 (2023)
Projected traffic5,400 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$150 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Relief Opening built?

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

What condition is US 278 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Relief Opening carry?

About 5,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Relief Opening?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns US 278 over Relief Opening?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.