US Bridges

SH 123 over Big Piney

PoorPosted for load

Johnson County, Arkansas · 5.64 M W Pope CO Line · Structure no. 000000000001597

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
461 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 123 over Big Piney is a steel truss - thru carrying SH 123 over Big Piney in Johnson County, Arkansas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 years old, older than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 147 by 2028. The structure is 461 ft (140.5 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 123
CrossesBig Piney
Location5.64 M W Pope CO Line
RouteState Highway 123
CountyJohnson County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.6773, -93.23478
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+8 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length461 ft (140.5 m)
Longest span141 ft (43 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2018)
Projected traffic147 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$829,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 123 over Big Piney built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 123 over Big Piney in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 123 over Big Piney carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 123 over Big Piney?

The structure is 461 ft (140.5 m) long with a longest span of 141 ft (43 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns SH 123 over Big Piney?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.