US Bridges

SH 51 over Ouachita River

Good

Clark County, Arkansas · 0.36 MI E JCT US 67 · Structure no. 000000000007316

Built
2018
7 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,629 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,719
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 51 over Ouachita River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 51 over Ouachita River in Clark County, Arkansas. It was built in 2018, so it is 7 years old, younger than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,719 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2034. The structure is 1,629 ft (496.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 51
CrossesOuachita River
Location0.36 MI E JCT US 67
RouteState Highway 51
CountyClark County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.12078, -93.04697
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+6 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,629 ft (496.6 m)
Longest span240 ft (73.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,719 (2018)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2034
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 51 over Ouachita River built?

It was built in 2018, making it 7 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 51 over Ouachita River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2022.

How much traffic does SH 51 over Ouachita River carry?

About 3,719 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 51 over Ouachita River?

The structure is 1,629 ft (496.6 m) long with a longest span of 240 ft (73.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 51 over Ouachita River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.