US Bridges

State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie Co.

Fair

Prairie County, Arkansas · 1.0 MI E JCT SH 11 & 38 · Structure no. 000000000003929

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
2,212 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,500
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie Co. is a steel arch - thru carrying State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie Co. in Prairie County, Arkansas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,994 by 2028. The structure is 2,212 ft (674.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Highway 38
CrossesWhite River-Prairie Co.
Location1.0 MI E JCT SH 11 & 38
RouteState Highway 38
CountyPrairie County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.98085, -91.49585
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+22 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,212 ft (674.2 m)
Longest span424 ft (129.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2018)
Projected traffic1,994 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie Co. built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie Co. carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie Co.?

The structure is 2,212 ft (674.2 m) long with a longest span of 424 ft (129.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns State Highway 38 over White River-Prairie Co.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.