US Bridges

Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay

Fair

Rankin County, Mississippi · Sec 6 T 6N R 3E · Structure no. SA6100000000123

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
462 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,800
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay in Rankin County, Mississippi. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 8,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,190 by 2044. The structure is 462 ft (140.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesBay Causeway
CrossesPelahatchie Bay
LocationSec 6 T 6N R 3E
RouteCounty Highway 1388
CountyRankin County
StateMississippi
Coordinates32.39397, -90.02842
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+14 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length462 ft (140.8 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,800 (2017)
Projected traffic14,190 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay carry?

About 8,800 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay?

The structure is 462 ft (140.8 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Bay Causeway over Pelahatchie Bay?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.