US Bridges

County Road 288 over Buffalo Creek - Polk Co.

PoorPosted for load

Polk County, Arkansas · 0.85 MI N US 71. · Structure no. 000000000016233

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
300
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 288 over Buffalo Creek - Polk Co. is a steel truss - thru carrying County Road 288 over Buffalo Creek - Polk Co. in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 108 by 2007. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 288
CrossesBuffalo Creek - Polk Co.
Location0.85 MI N US 71.
RouteCounty Highway 288
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.4207, -94.40764
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2018)
Projected traffic108 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$290,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 288 over Buffalo Creek - Polk Co. built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 288 over Buffalo Creek - 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 288 over Buffalo Creek - Polk Co. carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is County Road 288 over Buffalo Creek - Polk Co.?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 288 over Buffalo Creek - Polk Co.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.