US Bridges

State Highway 69B over Polk Bayou

Fair

Independence County, Arkansas · 0.35 MI SE JCT SH 106 69B · Structure no. 0000000000M1275

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
397 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,200
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Highway 69B over Polk Bayou is a concrete arch - deck carrying State Highway 69B over Polk Bayou in Independence County, Arkansas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 9,200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,693 by 2028. The structure is 397 ft (121 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Highway 69B
CrossesPolk Bayou
Location0.35 MI SE JCT SH 106 69B
RouteState Highway 69
CountyIndependence County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.77172, -91.65575
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length397 ft (121 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,200 (2018)
Projected traffic10,693 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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Highway 69B over Polk Bayou built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Highway 69B 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does State Highway 69B over Polk Bayou carry?

About 9,200 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is State Highway 69B over Polk Bayou?

The structure is 397 ft (121 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns State Highway 69B over Polk Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.