US Bridges

State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co.

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · W JCT US 71 Mena · Structure no. 0000000000M1600

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co. is a concrete slab carrying State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co. in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,475 by 2028. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Highway 88
CrossesWard Creek - Polk Co.
LocationW JCT US 71 Mena
RouteState Highway 88
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.58806, -94.23944
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (2018)
Projected traffic7,475 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$57,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co. built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co. 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co. carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co.?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns State Highway 88 over Ward Creek - Polk Co.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.