US Bridges

US 79B over Arkansas River

Fair

Jefferson County, Arkansas · 8.97 MI N JCT US 530 · Structure no. 000000000005211

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,501 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79B over Arkansas River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 79B over Arkansas River in Jefferson County, Arkansas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,293 by 2028. The structure is 2,501 ft (762.3 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 92 mi (148 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79B
CrossesArkansas River
Location8.97 MI N JCT US 530
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyJefferson County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.2874, -91.9999
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,501 ft (762.3 m)
Longest span340 ft (103.6 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.9 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2018)
Projected traffic3,293 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed92 mi (148 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 79B over Arkansas River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 79B over Arkansas River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 79B over Arkansas River carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 79B over Arkansas River?

The structure is 2,501 ft (762.3 m) long with a longest span of 340 ft (103.6 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns US 79B over Arkansas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.