US Bridges

SH-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek

Fair

Lee County, Arkansas · 1.2 MI West of JCT SH 121 · Structure no. 000000000005473

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
350 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
220
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek in Lee County, Arkansas. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 353 by 2028. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH-243/SEC2/L2.849
CrossesBig Creek
Location1.2 MI West of JCT SH 121
RouteState Highway 243
CountyLee County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.66878, -90.90972
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 20
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2019)
Projected traffic353 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH-243/SEC2/L2.849 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.