US Bridges

Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier E Chanl

Fair

County 063, Alaska · Mile Point 16.3 · Structure no. 0367

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
202 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
170
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier E Chanl is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier E Chanl 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 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 170 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 270 by 2039. The structure is 202 ft (61.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesCopper River HWY
CrossesSheridan Glacier E Chanl
LocationMile Point 16.3
RouteState Highway 851
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.46868, -145.36267
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.5 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length202 ft (61.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 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 E Chanl built?

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

What condition is Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier E Chanl 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 E Chanl carry?

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

How long is Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier E Chanl?

The structure is 202 ft (61.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Copper River HWY over Sheridan Glacier E Chanl?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.