US Bridges

US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear Creek

Fair

Pike County, Arkansas · 2 MI West of Kirby · Structure no. 000000000000284

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
122 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear Creek in Pike County, Arkansas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 96 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,009 by 2028. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 70 SEC.04-15.20
CrossesBear Creek
Location2 MI West of Kirby
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyPike County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.24925, -93.67669
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2018)
Projected traffic3,009 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$501,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 70 SEC.04-15.20 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.