US Bridges

SH 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch

Fair

Independence County, Arkansas · 8.95 MI E JCT US 167 & 87 · Structure no. 0000000000M1599

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,110
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch in Independence County, Arkansas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 1,110 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,175 by 2028. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 87/INDEPEN Co.
CrossesPrairie Branch
Location8.95 MI E JCT US 167 & 87
RouteState Highway 87
CountyIndependence County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.59129, -91.77315
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,110 (2018)
Projected traffic1,175 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch carry?

About 1,110 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns SH 87/INDEPEN Co. over Prairie Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.