US Bridges

SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat Ditch

Fair

Clark County, Arkansas · .40 MI N JCT SH 53 · Structure no. 000000000005123

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
281 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
626
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat Ditch in Clark County, Arkansas. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, older than the Arkansas average of 45.1 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 626 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 640 by 2028. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76
CrossesSouth Boat Ditch
Location.40 MI N JCT SH 53
RouteState Highway 51
CountyClark County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.05964, -93.24238
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic626 (2018)
Projected traffic640 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat Ditch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat Ditch carry?

About 626 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat Ditch?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SH 51 S-1 Lm 18.76 over South Boat Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.