US Bridges

US-79/SEC-16/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou

Fair

Lee County, Arkansas · 0.1 MI So ST Francis CO L · Structure no. 000000000006033

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
282 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-79/SEC-16/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-79/SEC-16/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou 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 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,594 by 2028. The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-79/SEC-16/L17.0
CrossesFrenchmans Bayou
Location0.1 MI So ST Francis CO L
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyLee County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.90354, -90.5303
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length282 ft (86 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2018)
Projected traffic1,594 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou built?

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

What condition is US-79/SEC-16/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou 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-79/SEC-16/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US-79/SEC-16/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou?

The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US-79/SEC-16/L17.0 over Frenchmans Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.