US Bridges

Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway

Fair

Marion County, Arkansas · 10 Mi. W of Mtn Home · Structure no. AHTD000000M3657

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
816 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2022 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway in Marion County, Arkansas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 56% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2039. The structure is 816 ft (248.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesArkansas HWY 178
CrossesBull Shoals Dam Spillway
Location10 Mi. W of Mtn Home
RouteState Highway 178
CountyMarion County
StateArkansas
Coordinates36.36722, -92.57556
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadH 20
Structure length816 ft (248.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2022)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2039
Trucks56%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 56% are trucks.

How long is Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway?

The structure is 816 ft (248.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Arkansas HWY 178 over Bull Shoals Dam Spillway?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).