US Bridges

SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 0.79 MI W Montgomery CO · Structure no. 000000000002547

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
680
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 680 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 872 by 2028. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 8 - Polk Co.
CrossesAbernathey Branch
Location0.79 MI W Montgomery CO
RouteState Highway 8
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.46801, -93.94768
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic680 (2018)
Projected traffic872 by 2028
Trucks12%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch 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 SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch carry?

About 680 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SH 8 - Polk Co. over Abernathey Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.