US Bridges

SH 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch

Fair

Washington County, Arkansas · 1.80 MI N JCT of SH 45 · Structure no. 000000000001649

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
840
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch in Washington County, Arkansas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 840 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,688 by 2028. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 59-WASHINGTON
CrossesLittle Branch
Location1.80 MI N JCT of SH 45
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWashington County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.90638, -94.48561
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic840 (2018)
Projected traffic1,688 by 2028
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch carry?

About 840 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SH 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SH 59-WASHINGTON over Little Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.