US Bridges

SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory Creek

Fair

Polk County, Arkansas · 0.97 MI E JCT US 71 & 246 · Structure no. 0000000000M2522

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
670
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory Creek 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 670 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 673 by 2028. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 246 Polk Co.
CrossesLittle Hickory Creek
Location0.97 MI E JCT US 71 & 246
RouteState Highway 246
CountyPolk County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.37935, -94.36831
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 rating39 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic670 (2018)
Projected traffic673 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 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 SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory Creek carry?

About 670 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m).

Who owns SH 246 Polk Co. over Little Hickory Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.