US Bridges

Copper River HWY over Copper River Slough

FairClosed to traffic

County 063, Alaska · Mile Point 40.0 · Structure no. 4123

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
65
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Copper River HWY over Copper River Slough is a steel culvert carrying Copper River HWY over Copper River Slough 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 65 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2030. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesCopper River HWY
CrossesCopper River Slough
LocationMile Point 40.0
RouteState Highway 851
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.55612, -144.7973
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65 (2011)
Projected traffic150 by 2030
Trucks1%
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 River Slough built?

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

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

About 65 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Copper River HWY over Copper River Slough?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.8 m).

Who owns Copper River HWY over Copper River Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.