US Bridges

US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lee County, Arkansas · .30 MI East SH 121 Sec 3 · Structure no. 000000000002398

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek in Lee County, Arkansas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 4 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,505 by 2028. The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS79/SEC15/L13.335
CrossesCat Creek
Location.30 MI East SH 121 Sec 3
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyLee County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.77491, -90.88964
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length62 ft (19 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2019)
Projected traffic2,505 by 2028
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$476,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US79/SEC15/L13.335 over Cat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.