US Bridges

SH-243/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch

Fair

Lee County, Arkansas · 3.75 MI North JCT SH 121 · Structure no. 0000000000M3916

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH-243/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH-243/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch in Lee County, Arkansas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2038. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH-243/SEC3/L3.745
CrossesDitch
Location3.75 MI North JCT SH 121
RouteState Highway 243
CountyLee County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.71073, -90.81991
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckAluminum
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2019)
Projected traffic350 by 2038
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible 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/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH-243/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH-243/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SH-243/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH-243/SEC3/L3.745 over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.