US Bridges

County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch

FairPosted for load

Union County, Mississippi · Sec 26 T 7S R 1E B · Structure no. SA7300000000068

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
154 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,100
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch in Union County, Mississippi. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,650 by 2038. The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 46
CrossesGaffords Ditch
LocationSec 26 T 7S R 1E B
RouteCounty Highway 923
CountyUnion County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.43786, -89.1749
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.1 US tons
Inventory rating19.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length154 ft (46.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2018)
Projected traffic1,650 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$695,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch 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 County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch?

The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 46 over Gaffords Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.