US Bridges

SH 27 over Hovell Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Arkansas · 3.46 M N of JCT US 270 · Structure no. 000000000002765

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
108 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,895
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 27 over Hovell Branch is a concrete slab carrying SH 27 over Hovell Branch in Montgomery County, Arkansas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,895 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,835 by 2028. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 27
CrossesHovell Branch
Location3.46 M N of JCT US 270
RouteState Highway 27
CountyMontgomery County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.57489, -93.58319
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,895 (2018)
Projected traffic1,835 by 2028
Trucks16%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$473,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 27 over Hovell Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 27 over Hovell Branch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 27 over Hovell Branch carry?

About 1,895 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 27 over Hovell Branch?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SH 27 over Hovell Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.