US Bridges

SH 7 over Prairie Creek

Fair

Pope County, Arkansas · 0.18 M N of JCT US 64 · Structure no. 000000000005048

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Prairie Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 7 over Prairie Creek in Pope County, Arkansas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,268 by 2028. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location0.18 M N of JCT US 64
RouteState Highway 7
CountyPope County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.28062, -93.13363
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2018)
Projected traffic24,268 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$156,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Prairie 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.