US Bridges

US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott Co.

Fair

Scott County, Arkansas · 1.20 MI N JCT SH 80 · Structure no. 000000000005290

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
281 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,476
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott Co. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott Co. in Scott County, Arkansas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 5,476 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,344 by 2028. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 71
CrossesPoteau River - Scott Co.
Location1.20 MI N JCT SH 80
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountyScott County
StateArkansas
Coordinates34.91279, -94.10716
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,476 (2018)
Projected traffic6,344 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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 US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott Co. built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott Co. carry?

About 5,476 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott Co.?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US Highway 71 over Poteau River - Scott Co.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.