US Bridges

US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO

Good

Desha County, Arkansas · 2.0 MI W US 65-MCGEHEE · Structure no. 000000000002954

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
56 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,398
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO is a concrete slab carrying US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO in Desha County, Arkansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older 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 2,398 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,962 by 2028. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesUS 278-16 Lm 1.27
CrossesBig Bayou Canal-Desha CO
Location2.0 MI W US 65-MCGEHEE
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates33.62926, -91.43186
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,398 (2018)
Projected traffic1,962 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$274,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO carry?

About 2,398 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 278-16 Lm 1.27 over Big Bayou Canal-Desha CO?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.