US Bridges

Copper River HWY over Alaganik Slough

Fair

County 063, Alaska · Mile Point 22.3 · Structure no. 0395

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copper River HWY over Alaganik Slough is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Copper River HWY over Alaganik Slough in County 063, Alaska. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2039. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesCopper River HWY
CrossesAlaganik Slough
LocationMile Point 22.3
RouteState Highway 851
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.43558, -145.2119
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 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 Alaganik Slough built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Copper River HWY over Alaganik Slough 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 Alaganik Slough carry?

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

How long is Copper River HWY over Alaganik Slough?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Copper River HWY over Alaganik Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.