US Bridges

SH 74 Searcy over Big Creek

Fair

Searcy County, Arkansas · 9.07 Miles East of the Jc · Structure no. 000000000005763

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
242 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
380
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 74 Searcy over Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 74 Searcy over Big Creek in Searcy County, Arkansas. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 380 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 528 by 2028. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 74 Searcy
CrossesBig Creek
Location9.07 Miles East of the Jc
RouteState Highway 74
CountySearcy County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.94063, -92.49148
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic380 (2018)
Projected traffic528 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 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 74 Searcy over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 74 Searcy over Big Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 74 Searcy over Big Creek carry?

About 380 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 74 Searcy over Big Creek?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 74 Searcy over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.