US Bridges

SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou

PoorPosted for load

Prairie County, Arkansas · 3.8 MI S JCT SH 38 · Structure no. 0000000000M1581

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
237 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
190
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou in Prairie County, Arkansas. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 80 years old, older than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 190 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 212 by 2028. The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 86 Log 3.79
CrossesWattensaw Bayou
Location3.8 MI S JCT SH 38
RouteState Highway 86
CountyPrairie County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.94146, -91.6552
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: 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 rating14 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadUnknown
Structure length237 ft (72.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic190 (2018)
Projected traffic212 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$265,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou carry?

About 190 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou?

The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SH 86 Log 3.79 over Wattensaw Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.