US Bridges

State Highway 246 over Joshling Creek-Polk Co.

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 4.81 MI E Okla ST Line · Structure no. 0000000000M2521

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
390
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Highway 246 over Joshling Creek-Polk Co. is a concrete culvert carrying State Highway 246 over Joshling Creek-Polk Co. in Polk County, Arkansas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 390 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2038. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 124.3 mi (200 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Highway 246
CrossesJoshling Creek-Polk Co.
Location4.81 MI E Okla ST Line
RouteState Highway 246
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.49478, -94.39264
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJanuary 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 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 traffic390 (2018)
Projected traffic400 by 2038
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed124.3 mi (200 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Highway 246 over Joshling Creek-Polk Co. built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Highway 246 over Joshling 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 2024.

How much traffic does State Highway 246 over Joshling Creek-Polk Co. carry?

About 390 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is State Highway 246 over Joshling Creek-Polk Co.?

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

Who owns State Highway 246 over Joshling Creek-Polk Co.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.