US Bridges

SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R

Poor

Desha County, Arkansas · 0.7 MI W US 65-MCGEHEE · Structure no. 000000000005018

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
849 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R in Desha County, Arkansas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 3 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 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,800 by 2036. The structure is 849 ft (258.9 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 278-16 Lm 4.38
CrossesUnion Pacific R/R
Location0.7 MI W US 65-MCGEHEE
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyDesha County
StateArkansas
Coordinates33.61594, -91.39057
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length849 ft (258.9 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2018)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R carry?

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R?

The structure is 849 ft (258.9 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SH 278-16 Lm 4.38 over Union Pacific R/R?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.