US Bridges

US 79 over Ouachita River

Fair

Ouachita County, Arkansas · 2.1 MI E JCT SH 7 · Structure no. 000000000005348

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
2,081 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Ouachita River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 79 over Ouachita River in Ouachita County, Arkansas. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 6 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 10,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,000 by 2038. The structure is 2,081 ft (634.3 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 79
CrossesOuachita River
Location2.1 MI E JCT SH 7
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyOuachita County
StateArkansas
Coordinates33.58081, -92.80754
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+12 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,081 ft (634.3 m)
Longest span232 ft (70.7 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width75 ft (22.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2018)
Projected traffic11,000 by 2038
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 79 over Ouachita River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 79 over Ouachita 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 79 over Ouachita River carry?

About 10,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Ouachita River?

The structure is 2,081 ft (634.3 m) long with a longest span of 232 ft (70.7 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Ouachita River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.