US Bridges

US 71 - Polk Co. over Carter Creek

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 1.61 MI N Sevier CO L · Structure no. 0000000000M1349

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
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 Carter Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 - Polk Co. over Carter 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

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 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 71 - Polk Co.
CrossesCarter Creek
Location1.61 MI N Sevier CO L
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.21167, -94.30847
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20 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 closed9.9 mi (16 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 Carter Creek built?

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

What condition is US 71 - Polk Co. over Carter Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 - Polk Co. over Carter Creek carry?

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

How long is US 71 - Polk Co. over Carter 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 Carter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.