US Bridges

US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek

Poor

Sebastian County, Arkansas · 0.1 M N of SH 252 · Structure no. 000000000002240

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
110 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,291
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek in Sebastian County, Arkansas. It was built in 1944, so it is 81 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.

It carries about 8,291 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,202 by 2028. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 71 - Seb. Co.
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location0.1 M N of SH 252
RouteU.S. Route 71
CountySebastian County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.10945, -94.2674
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,291 (2018)
Projected traffic11,202 by 2028
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$978,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek carry?

About 8,291 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 71 - Seb. Co. over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.