US Bridges

US 278- 03- 6.63 over Messer Creek

Fair

Howard County, Arkansas · 6.6 M S of Dierks · Structure no. 000000000006415

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
140 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278- 03- 6.63 over Messer Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 278- 03- 6.63 over Messer Creek in Howard County, Arkansas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,809 by 2028. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278- 03- 6.63
CrossesMesser Creek
Location6.6 M S of Dierks
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyHoward County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.06785, -93.96717
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2018)
Projected traffic1,809 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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- 03- 6.63 over Messer Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278- 03- 6.63 over Messer 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 278- 03- 6.63 over Messer Creek carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 278- 03- 6.63 over Messer Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 278- 03- 6.63 over Messer Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.