US Bridges

US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou

Fair

Howard County, Arkansas · 5.75 MI W of Nashville · Structure no. 000000000000444

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
160 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou is a concrete tee beam carrying US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou in Howard County, Arkansas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 97 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,653 by 2028. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 371 -02- 5.85
CrossesBlue Bayou
Location5.75 MI W of Nashville
RouteU.S. Route 371
CountyHoward County
StateArkansas
Coordinates33.95127, -93.9631
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 inspectionApril 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2018)
Projected traffic2,653 by 2028
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$519,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 371 -02- 5.85 over Blue Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.