US Bridges

Bethel Road over Smiley Bayou

FairPosted for load

Yell County, Arkansas · 1.46 MI N of JCT SH 27 · Structure no. 000000000023824

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,495
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bethel Road over Smiley Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bethel Road 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,495 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 115 by 2036. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBethel Road
CrossesSmiley Bayou
Location1.46 MI N of JCT SH 27
RouteCounty Highway 64
CountyYell County
StateArkansas
Coordinates35.21575, -93.22
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,495 (2018)
Projected traffic115 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bethel Road over Smiley Bayou built?

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

What condition is Bethel Road 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Bethel Road over Smiley Bayou carry?

About 1,495 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bethel Road over Smiley Bayou?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Bethel Road over Smiley Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.