US Bridges

SH 7 over Smiley Bayou

Fair

Yell County, Arkansas · .1 MI N JCT SH 155 · Structure no. 000000000006630

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
148 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Smiley Bayou is a concrete slab carrying SH 7 over Smiley Bayou in Yell County, Arkansas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,538 by 2028. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesSmiley Bayou
Location.1 MI N JCT SH 155
RouteState Highway 7
CountyYell County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.18183, -93.15701
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2018)
Projected traffic8,538 by 2028
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SH 7 over Smiley Bayou built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Smiley Bayou 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Smiley Bayou carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Smiley Bayou?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Smiley Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.