US Bridges

SH 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 2.03 MI E Okla. ST Line · Structure no. 000000000005108

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
372 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
390
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 390 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 486 by 2028. The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 246-POLK County
CrossesMountain Fork Little Red
Location2.03 MI E Okla. ST Line
RouteState Highway 246
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.50545, -94.43171
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length372 ft (113.4 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic390 (2018)
Projected traffic486 by 2028
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed124.3 mi (200 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 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SH 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red carry?

About 390 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red?

The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 246-POLK County over Mountain Fork Little Red?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.