US Bridges

US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR

Good

Polk County, Arkansas · 0.5 MI N of Wickes · Structure no. 000000000006766

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
109 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,400
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,400 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,108 by 2028. The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 71-POLK Co.
CrossesKansas City Sourthern RR
Location0.5 MI N of Wickes
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.31552, -94.35118
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length109 ft (33.2 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,400 (2018)
Projected traffic5,108 by 2028
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2022.

How much traffic does US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR carry?

About 4,400 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR?

The structure is 109 ft (33.2 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 71-POLK Co. over Kansas City Sourthern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.