US Bridges

SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk Bayou

Fair

Independence County, Arkansas · 0.4 MI W JCT 167 & 69 · Structure no. 000000000005328

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
332 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk Bayou is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk Bayou in Independence County, Arkansas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,297 by 2028. The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 69/INDEPEN. Co.
CrossesPolk Bayou
Location0.4 MI W JCT 167 & 69
RouteState Highway 69
CountyIndependence County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.792, -91.64555
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length332 ft (101.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,500 (2018)
Projected traffic10,297 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk Bayou built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk Bayou carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk Bayou?

The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 69/INDEPEN. Co. over Polk Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.