US Bridges

SH-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough

Poor

Cross County, Arkansas · 4.5 Miles East JCT US 49 · Structure no. 000000000001791

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
609
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough in Cross County, Arkansas. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 years old, older than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 609 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 602 by 2028. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH-42/SEC-2/L5.629
CrossesGum Slough
Location4.5 Miles East JCT US 49
RouteState Highway 42
CountyCross County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.39625, -90.93997
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic609 (2018)
Projected traffic602 by 2028
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does SH-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough carry?

About 609 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SH-42/SEC-2/L5.629 over Gum Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.