US Bridges

US 49 over Bear Creek

Good

Simpson County, Mississippi · 1.0 MI S SR 540 · Structure no. 210004906412430

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 49 over Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 49 over Bear Creek in Simpson County, Mississippi. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older 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 25,000 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,000 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 49
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.0 MI S SR 540
RouteU.S. Route 49
Coordinates31.94547, -89.83911
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,000 (2023)
Projected traffic33,000 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$700 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 49 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 49 over Bear 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 49 over Bear Creek carry?

About 25,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 49 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 49 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.