US Bridges

I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake

Good

St. Francis County, Arkansas · 0.14 MI W of JCT 149&40 · Structure no. 000000000006939

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
560 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
39,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake in St. Francis County, Arkansas. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 years old, younger than the Arkansas average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 39,000 vehicles a day, roughly 56% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,000 by 2035. The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long and 131 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-40EB/SE51/259.75
CrossesShell Lake
Location0.14 MI W of JCT 149&40
RouteInterstate 40
CountySt. Francis County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.13257, -90.48958
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length560 ft (170.7 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width131 ft (40 m)
Roadway width126 ft (38.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,000 (2018)
Projected traffic38,000 by 2035
Trucks56%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2022.

How much traffic does I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake carry?

About 39,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 56% are trucks.

How long is I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake?

The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 131 ft wide.

Who owns I-40EB/SE51/259.75 over Shell Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.