US Bridges

Copper River HWY over Copper Delta

Fair

County 063, Alaska · Mile Point 33.7 · Structure no. 0333

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
241 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copper River HWY over Copper Delta is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Copper River HWY over Copper Delta in County 063, Alaska. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 241 ft (73.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesCopper River HWY
CrossesCopper Delta
LocationMile Point 33.7
RouteState Highway 851
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.5012, -144.92347
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating74.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length241 ft (73.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 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 Delta built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Copper River HWY over Copper Delta 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 Delta carry?

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

How long is Copper River HWY over Copper Delta?

The structure is 241 ft (73.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Copper River HWY over Copper Delta?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.