US Bridges

US 70 over Lake Hamilton

Fair

Garland County, Arkansas · 2 SW JCT SH 270 · Structure no. 000000000005872

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,410 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
34,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 70 over Lake Hamilton is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 70 over Lake Hamilton in Garland County, Arkansas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 5 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 34,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,000 by 2038. The structure is 1,410 ft (429.8 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 70
CrossesLake Hamilton
Location2 SW JCT SH 270
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyGarland County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.47173, -93.12725
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,410 ft (429.8 m)
Longest span192 ft (58.5 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.4 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,000 (2018)
Projected traffic38,000 by 2038
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 70 over Lake Hamilton built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 70 over Lake Hamilton 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 70 over Lake Hamilton carry?

About 34,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 70 over Lake Hamilton?

The structure is 1,410 ft (429.8 m) long with a longest span of 192 ft (58.5 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US 70 over Lake Hamilton?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.