US Bridges

Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3

Fair

County 063, Alaska · Mile Point 14.8 · Structure no. 0230

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
201 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
170
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3 is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3 in County 063, 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 170 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 270 by 2039. The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCopper River HWY
CrossesSheridan Glacier No. 3
LocationMile Point 14.8
RouteState Highway 851
CountyCounty 063
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.47776, -145.40318
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length201 ft (61.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170 (2020)
Projected traffic270 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 Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3 built?

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

What condition is Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3 carry?

About 170 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3?

The structure is 201 ft (61.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier No. 3?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.