US Bridges

US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River

Fair

Desha County, Arkansas · 3.5 MI N JCT SH 54 · Structure no. 000000000005121

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,899 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River in Desha County, Arkansas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,616 by 2028. The structure is 2,899 ft (883.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 165- District 2
CrossesArkansas River
Location3.5 MI N JCT SH 54
RouteU.S. Route 165
CountyDesha County
StateArkansas
Coordinates33.97506, -91.38452
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+22 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,899 ft (883.6 m)
Longest span377 ft (114.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2018)
Projected traffic1,616 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed124.3 mi (200 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River?

The structure is 2,899 ft (883.6 m) long with a longest span of 377 ft (114.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 165- District 2 over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.