US Bridges

US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri River

Fair

Pike County, Arkansas · 5.56 MI E of Howard CO · Structure no. 000000000002488

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
348 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,799
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri River in Pike County, Arkansas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 1,799 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,132 by 2028. The structure is 348 ft (106.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

CarriesUS-70 Sec 04-5.56
CrossesLittle Missouri River
Location5.56 MI E of Howard CO
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates34.23903, -93.83505
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length348 ft (106.1 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,799 (2018)
Projected traffic2,132 by 2028
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$977,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri River carry?

About 1,799 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri River?

The structure is 348 ft (106.1 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US-70 Sec 04-5.56 over Little Missouri River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.