US Bridges

US 71 B over Branch

Fair

Washington County, Arkansas · 4.7 MI S Benton CO LN · Structure no. 0000000000X0232

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
32,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 71 B over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 71 B over Branch in Washington County, Arkansas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 32,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,601 by 2028. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 71 B
CrossesBranch
Location4.7 MI S Benton CO LN
RouteU.S. Route 71
Coordinates36.14329, -94.14417
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,000 (2018)
Projected traffic43,601 by 2028
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 B over Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 71 B over 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 71 B over Branch carry?

About 32,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 71 B over Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US 71 B over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.