US Bridges

SH 7 over Fourche Lafave River

Fair

Perry County, Arkansas · South Outskirts Fourche · Structure no. 000000000001160

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
518 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Fourche Lafave River is a concrete arch - deck carrying SH 7 over Fourche Lafave River in Perry County, Arkansas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,494 by 2028. The structure is 518 ft (157.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesFourche Lafave River
LocationSouth Outskirts Fourche
RouteState Highway 7
CountyPerry County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.9514, -93.15183
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length518 ft (157.9 m)
Longest span184 ft (56.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2018)
Projected traffic1,494 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Fourche Lafave River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Fourche Lafave 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Fourche Lafave River carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Fourche Lafave River?

The structure is 518 ft (157.9 m) long with a longest span of 184 ft (56.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Fourche Lafave River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.