US Bridges

Richardson Highway over Little Tonsina River

Fair

County 066, Alaska · Mile Point 65 · Structure no. 4143

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Highway over Little Tonsina River is a steel culvert carrying Richardson Highway over Little Tonsina River in County 066, Alaska. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 470 by 2039. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesRichardson Highway
CrossesLittle Tonsina River
LocationMile Point 65
RouteState Highway 71
StateAlaska
Coordinates61.48006, -145.15338
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2020)
Projected traffic470 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 Little Tonsina River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richardson Highway over Little Tonsina 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 Little Tonsina River carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is Richardson Highway over Little Tonsina River?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Richardson Highway over Little Tonsina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.