US Bridges

County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co.

PoorPosted for load

Polk County, Arkansas · 2.49 S Old Potter · Structure no. 000000000016146

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
221
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co. in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 years old, older than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 221 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 108 by 2007. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 37
CrossesPaul Branch - Polk Co.
Location2.49 S Old Potter
RouteCounty Highway 37
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.52494, -94.34956
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic221 (2018)
Projected traffic108 by 2007
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$217,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co. built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co. carry?

About 221 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co.?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 37 over Paul Branch - Polk Co.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.