US Bridges

US Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 0.1 MI E of SH 8-1 · Structure no. 0000000000M1357

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County is a concrete culvert carrying US Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 72 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,195 by 2028. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 71
CrossesWard Creek Polk County
Location0.1 MI E of SH 8-1
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.58649, -94.22055
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2018)
Projected traffic16,195 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure5
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 Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is US Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns US Highway 71 over Ward Creek Polk County?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.