US Bridges

SR 27 over Varnell Creek

Fair

Walthall County, Mississippi · 8.2 MI N US 98 · Structure no. 310002707401750

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 27 over Varnell Creek is a concrete slab carrying SR 27 over Varnell Creek in Walthall County, Mississippi. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2043. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 27
CrossesVarnell Creek
Location8.2 MI N US 98
RouteState Highway 27
CountyWalthall County
StateMississippi
Coordinates31.22414, -90.11606
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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 rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2023)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure20
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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$600 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 27 over Varnell Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 27 over Varnell 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 27 over Varnell Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 27 over Varnell Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 27 over Varnell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.