US Bridges

SR 178 over Hell Creek

Fair

Union County, Mississippi · 7.9 MI E Benton Cl · Structure no. 310017807306130

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
210 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 178 over Hell Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 178 over Hell Creek in Union County, Mississippi. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,300 by 2043. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 178
CrossesHell Creek
Location7.9 MI E Benton Cl
RouteState Highway 178
CountyUnion County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.51833, -89.05072
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2023)
Projected traffic8,300 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1,000 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 178 over Hell Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 178 over Hell Creek 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR 178 over Hell Creek carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 178 over Hell Creek?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 178 over Hell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.