US Bridges

SH 216 over Fourche Lafave River

Fair

Perry County, Arkansas · 2.80 MI S of Houston · Structure no. 000000000003763

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
422 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
520
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 216 over Fourche Lafave River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 216 over Fourche Lafave River in Perry County, Arkansas. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 520 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2038. The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 216
CrossesFourche Lafave River
Location2.80 MI S of Houston
RouteState Highway 216
CountyPerry County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.01229, -92.72453
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length422 ft (128.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic520 (2018)
Projected traffic570 by 2038
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 216 over Fourche Lafave River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 216 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 216 over Fourche Lafave River carry?

About 520 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SH 216 over Fourche Lafave River?

The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SH 216 over Fourche Lafave River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.