US Bridges

US 71 - Polk Co. over Joshling Creek

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 1.0 MI N Hatfield · Structure no. 0000000000M1354

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,700
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 - Polk Co. over Joshling Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 - Polk Co. over Joshling Creek in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 5 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 5,700 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,350 by 2028. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 71 - Polk Co.
CrossesJoshling Creek
Location1.0 MI N Hatfield
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.49984, -94.36563
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic5,700 (2018)
Projected traffic7,350 by 2028
Trucks1%
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 Joshling Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 - Polk Co. over Joshling 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 July 2023.

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

About 5,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

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

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns US 71 - Polk Co. over Joshling Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.