US Bridges

Copper River HWY over Scott Glacier No 4

Fair

County 063, Alaska · Mile Point 8.5 · Structure no. 0351

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
520
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copper River HWY over Scott Glacier No 4 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Copper River HWY over Scott Glacier No 4 in County 063, Alaska. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 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 520 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 630 by 2039. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCopper River HWY
CrossesScott Glacier No 4
LocationMile Point 8.5
RouteState Highway 851
CountyCounty 063
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.51485, -145.57066
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length62 ft (18.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic520 (2020)
Projected traffic630 by 2039
Trucks17%
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 Scott Glacier No 4 built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Copper River HWY over Scott Glacier No 4 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 Scott Glacier No 4 carry?

About 520 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Copper River HWY over Scott Glacier No 4?

The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Copper River HWY over Scott Glacier No 4?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.