US Bridges

Copper River HWY over Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst)

Fair

County 063, Alaska · Mile Point 26.7 · Structure no. 0331

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
785 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copper River HWY over Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Copper River HWY over Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst) in County 063, Alaska. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2039. The structure is 785 ft (239.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCopper River HWY
CrossesCopper Riv (flag Pt Wst)
LocationMile Point 26.7
RouteState Highway 851
CountyCounty 063
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.44546, -145.08342
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.4 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length785 ft (239.4 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic50 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 Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst) built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Copper River HWY over Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst) 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 Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst) carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Copper River HWY over Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst)?

The structure is 785 ft (239.4 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Copper River HWY over Copper Riv (flag Pt Wst)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.