US Bridges

SR 438 over Black Bayou

Fair

Washington County, Mississippi · 5.7 MI E SR 1 · Structure no. 310043807600570

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 438 over Black Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 438 over Black Bayou in Washington County, Mississippi. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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.

It carries about 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2043. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 438
CrossesBlack Bayou
Location5.7 MI E SR 1
RouteState Highway 438
CountyWashington County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.26954, -90.93476
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85.9 US tons
Inventory rating56.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2023)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 438 over Black Bayou built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 438 over Black Bayou 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR 438 over Black Bayou carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 438 over Black Bayou?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 438 over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.