US Bridges

SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek

PoorPosted for load

Fulton County, Arkansas · 1.0 MI S JCT US 62 · Structure no. 0000000000M2381

Built
1919
106 years old, rebuilt 1938
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
740
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek in Fulton County, Arkansas. It was built in 1919 and reconstructed in 1938, so it is 106 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 740 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 820 by 2038. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 223/FULTON Co.
CrossesBig Creek
Location1.0 MI S JCT US 62
RouteState Highway 223
CountyFulton County
StateArkansas
Coordinates36.38282, -91.98386
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic740 (2018)
Projected traffic820 by 2038
Trucks7%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$286,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1938.

What condition is SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek carry?

About 740 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns SH 223/FULTON Co. over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.