US Bridges

US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 0.50 MI S of Cove Ark. · Structure no. 000000000002146

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo Creek in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,855 by 2028. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 71 - Polk Co.
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.50 MI S of Cove Ark.
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.42056, -94.41084
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2018)
Projected traffic5,855 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$918,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 - Polk Co. over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.