US Bridges

SH 286 over Palarm Creek

Fair

Faulkner County, Arkansas · 5.50 MI SE JCT I-40 &286 · Structure no. 000000000005578

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
182 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 286 over Palarm Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 286 over Palarm Creek in Faulkner County, Arkansas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 4,100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,236 by 2028. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 286
CrossesPalarm Creek
Location5.50 MI SE JCT I-40 &286
RouteState Highway 286
CountyFaulkner County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.04025, -92.3334
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,100 (2018)
Projected traffic6,236 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 286 over Palarm Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 286 over Palarm Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 286 over Palarm Creek carry?

About 4,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 286 over Palarm Creek?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 286 over Palarm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.