US Bridges

SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River

Fair

Newton County, Arkansas · 4.02 Miles South of the J · Structure no. 0000000000M2889

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
210 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
642
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River in Newton County, Arkansas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 642 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 710 by 2038. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 327 Newton
CrossesLittle Buffalo River
Location4.02 Miles South of the J
RouteState Highway 327
CountyNewton County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.96901, -93.22684
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic642 (2018)
Projected traffic710 by 2038
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$488,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River carry?

About 642 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns SH 327 Newton over Little Buffalo River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.