US Bridges

SH 324 over Horsehead Slough

Fair

Pope County, Arkansas · 4 M SW of Atkins · Structure no. 0000000000M4017

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 324 over Horsehead Slough is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 324 over Horsehead Slough in Pope County, Arkansas. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 192 by 2028. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 324
CrossesHorsehead Slough
Location4 M SW of Atkins
RouteState Highway 324
CountyPope County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.21098, -92.98517
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2018)
Projected traffic192 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 324 over Horsehead Slough built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 324 over Horsehead Slough 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 2022.

How much traffic does SH 324 over Horsehead Slough carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 324 over Horsehead Slough?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SH 324 over Horsehead Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.