US Bridges

US 71 - Washington over Ditch

Fair

Washington County, Arkansas · 11.25 MI NE of SH 74 · Structure no. 0000000000M1383

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,800
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 - Washington over Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 - Washington over Ditch in Washington County, Arkansas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 95 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 6 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 5,800 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,876 by 2028. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesUS 71 - Washington
CrossesDitch
Location11.25 MI NE of SH 74
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates35.93165, -94.18003
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,800 (2018)
Projected traffic7,876 by 2028
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 US 71 - Washington over Ditch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is US 71 - Washington over Ditch 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 71 - Washington over Ditch carry?

About 5,800 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 71 - Washington over Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m).

Who owns US 71 - Washington over Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.