US Bridges

Vandenberg Avenue over Ship Creek

Fair

Anchorage Municipality, Alaska · Approximately 0.25 Miles · Structure no. AFAKFXSB85200

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
53 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,000
2015 count
Owner
Federal
Air Force

About this bridge

Vandenberg Avenue over Ship Creek is a steel culvert carrying Vandenberg Avenue over Ship Creek in Anchorage Municipality, Alaska. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 10,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12,000 by 2035. The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesVandenberg Avenue
CrossesShip Creek
LocationApproximately 0.25 Miles
CountyAnchorage Municipality
StateAlaska
Coordinates61.23724, -149.77846
Functional classUrban 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.3 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2015)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2035
Trucks—
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerAir Force
Maintained byAir Force
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Vandenberg Avenue over Ship Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vandenberg Avenue over Ship 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Vandenberg Avenue over Ship Creek carry?

About 10,000 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Vandenberg Avenue over Ship Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Vandenberg Avenue over Ship Creek?

It is owned by the Air Force.