US Bridges

SH 324 over Horsehead Branch

Fair

Pope County, Arkansas · 4.0 SW of Atkins · Structure no. 0000000000M4018

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 324 over Horsehead Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 324 over Horsehead Branch 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 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 192 by 2028. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 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 Branch
Location4.0 SW of Atkins
RouteState Highway 324
CountyPope County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.21067, -92.9855
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 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 Branch built?

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

What condition is SH 324 over Horsehead Branch 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 324 over Horsehead Branch carry?

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

How long is SH 324 over Horsehead Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SH 324 over Horsehead Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.