US Bridges

Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork

Poor

Washington County, Arkansas · 0.3 W Co.Rd 28 · Structure no. 000000000017370

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
644
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork is a steel culvert carrying Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork in Washington County, Arkansas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 3 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 644 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 51 by 2007. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPrairie Grove Lake
CrossesSulphur Fork
Location0.3 W Co.Rd 28
RouteCounty Highway 259
CountyWashington County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.94281, -94.31731
Functional classRural Local

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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic644 (2018)
Projected traffic51 by 2007
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork carry?

About 644 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Prairie Grove Lake over Sulphur Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.