US Bridges

CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River

PoorPosted for load

Polk County, Arkansas · 3.10 MI W JCT 37 & 38 · Structure no. 000000000016149

Built
1905
120 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
406 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
144
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River is a steel truss - thru carrying CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1905, so it is 120 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 3 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 144 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 87 by 2007. The structure is 406 ft (123.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 38 - Polk Co.
CrossesMt. Fork River
Location3.10 MI W JCT 37 & 38
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.5285, -94.39939
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.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2 (+9 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length406 ft (123.7 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic144 (2018)
Projected traffic87 by 2007
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$752,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River built?

It was built in 1905, making it 120 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River carry?

About 144 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River?

The structure is 406 ft (123.7 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns CR 38 - Polk Co. over Mt. Fork River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.