US Bridges

US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek

Good

Polk County, Arkansas · 0.74 MI N of Sevier CO L. · Structure no. 0000000000M1348

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,900
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,236 by 2028. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 71 - Polk CO
CrossesCarters Creek
Location0.74 MI N of Sevier CO L.
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates34.20155, -94.31563
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,900 (2018)
Projected traffic4,236 by 2028
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns US 71 - Polk CO over Carters Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.