US Bridges

Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek

Fair

Anchorage Municipality, Alaska · Mile Point 2.3 · Structure no. 0999

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
222 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,760
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek in Anchorage Municipality, Alaska. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the Alaska average of 35.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 2,760 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,140 by 2039. The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesAlyeska Highway
CrossesGlacier Creek
LocationMile Point 2.3
RouteState Highway 501
CountyAnchorage Municipality
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.96167, -149.13139
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.4 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length222 ft (67.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,760 (2020)
Projected traffic3,140 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek carry?

About 2,760 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek?

The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Alyeska Highway over Glacier Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.