US Bridges

I-555 over Big Creek Ditch

Fair

Craighead County, Arkansas · 4.55 MI NW SH 18 · Structure no. 0000000000A5206

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
161 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-555 over Big Creek Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-555 over Big Creek Ditch in Craighead County, Arkansas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 10,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,407 by 2028. The structure is 161 ft (49.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-555
CrossesBig Creek Ditch
Location4.55 MI NW SH 18
RouteU.S. Route 555
CountyCraighead County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.84379, -90.75797
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length161 ft (49.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,500 (2018)
Projected traffic11,407 by 2028
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 I-555 over Big Creek Ditch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-555 over Big Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-555 over Big Creek Ditch carry?

About 10,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-555 over Big Creek Ditch?

The structure is 161 ft (49.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-555 over Big Creek Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.