US Bridges

US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek

Fair

Ouachita County, Arkansas · 2.5 MI NE JCT SH 57 · Structure no. 000000000002354

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
172 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek in Ouachita County, Arkansas. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,800 by 2038. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79 S-3 Lm 5.62
CrossesGum Creek
Location2.5 MI NE JCT SH 57
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyOuachita County
StateArkansas
Coordinates33.44418, -93.04864
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2018)
Projected traffic2,800 by 2038
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$717,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 S-3 Lm 5.62 over Gum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.