US Bridges

US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch

Good

Howard County, Arkansas · 0.99 MI SE JCT SH 27 · Structure no. 000000000005527

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch is a concrete slab carrying US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch in Howard County, Arkansas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, older than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,859 by 2027. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesUS 278- 04- 1.63
CrossesSandy Branch
Location0.99 MI SE JCT SH 27
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates33.92819, -93.83411
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2018)
Projected traffic3,859 by 2027
Trucks16%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2022.

How much traffic does US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US 278- 04- 1.63 over Sandy Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.