US Bridges

SH 7 over Buffalo River

Good

Newton County, Arkansas · 5.4 MI N of the SH 74 JCT · Structure no. 000000000007423

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
705 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Buffalo River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 7 over Buffalo River in Newton County, Arkansas. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 years old, younger than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,100 by 2038. The structure is 705 ft (214.9 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesBuffalo River
Location5.4 MI N of the SH 74 JCT
RouteState Highway 7
CountyNewton County
StateArkansas
Coordinates36.05998, -93.13869
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to 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 Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length705 ft (214.9 m)
Longest span250 ft (76.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck99 ft (30.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2018)
Projected traffic3,100 by 2038
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Buffalo River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Buffalo River carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Buffalo River?

The structure is 705 ft (214.9 m) long with a longest span of 250 ft (76.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.