US Bridges

SH-42/SEC-3/L7.857 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Cross County, Arkansas · 2.20 Miles East of SH 163 · Structure no. 0000000000A3574

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
262 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
420
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH-42/SEC-3/L7.857 over Drainage Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH-42/SEC-3/L7.857 over Drainage Ditch in Cross County, Arkansas. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 62 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 420 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 479 by 2028. The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesSH-42/SEC-3/L7.857
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.20 Miles East of SH 163
RouteState Highway 42
CountyCross County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.36273, -90.65755
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length262 ft (79.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (2018)
Projected traffic479 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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-3/L7.857 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is SH-42/SEC-3/L7.857 over Drainage 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH-42/SEC-3/L7.857 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH-42/SEC-3/L7.857 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH-42/SEC-3/L7.857 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.