US Bridges

Richardson Highway over Tazlina River

Fair

County 066, Alaska · Mile Point 113.4 · Structure no. 0573

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
469 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
640
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Highway over Tazlina River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Richardson Highway over Tazlina River in County 066, Alaska. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 640 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 850 by 2039. The structure is 469 ft (143 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesRichardson Highway
CrossesTazlina River
LocationMile Point 113.4
RouteState Highway 71
StateAlaska
Coordinates62.05469, -145.42789
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length469 ft (143 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic640 (2020)
Projected traffic850 by 2039
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 Richardson Highway over Tazlina River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richardson Highway over Tazlina River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Richardson Highway over Tazlina River carry?

About 640 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is Richardson Highway over Tazlina River?

The structure is 469 ft (143 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Richardson Highway over Tazlina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.