US Bridges

US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis River

Fair

Lee County, Arkansas · 2 Miles SW JCT SH 131 · Structure no. 000000000005952

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
912 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis River in Lee County, Arkansas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,936 by 2028. The structure is 912 ft (278 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-79/SEC-16/L9.44
CrossesST Francis River
Location2 Miles SW JCT SH 131
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyLee County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.84391, -90.63845
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 20
Structure length912 ft (278 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2019)
Projected traffic1,936 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis River carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis River?

The structure is 912 ft (278 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US-79/SEC-16/L9.44 over ST Francis River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.