US Bridges

US 72 over Big Creek

Good

Tippah County, Mississippi · 0.8 MI W SR 15 · Structure no. 210007207004100

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 72 over Big Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 72 over Big Creek in Tippah County, Mississippi. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,000 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.8 mi (122 km).

CarriesUS 72
CrossesBig Creek
Location0.8 MI W SR 15
RouteU.S. Route 72
Coordinates34.9501, -88.91579
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 rating74.1 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2023)
Projected traffic13,000 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.8 mi (122 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 72 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 72 over Big 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 72 over Big Creek carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 72 over Big Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 72 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.