US Bridges

State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co.

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 1.86 MI E US 71-9 · Structure no. 000000000002521

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,070
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co. is a concrete tee beam carrying State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co. in Polk 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 3,070 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,858 by 2028. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Highway 8
CrossesPrairie Creek - Polk Co.
Location1.86 MI E US 71-9
RouteState Highway 8
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.56206, -94.21171
Functional classUrban 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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,070 (2018)
Projected traffic4,858 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$456,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co. built?

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

What condition is State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co. 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 2023.

How much traffic does State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co. carry?

About 3,070 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co.?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns State Highway 8 over Prairie Creek - Polk Co.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.