US Bridges

Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch

Fair

Denali Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 204.4 · Structure no. 1146

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
81 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,670
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch in Denali Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5 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 2,670 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,560 by 2039. The structure is 81 ft (24.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesParks Highway
CrossesIceworm Gulch
LocationMile Point 204.4
RouteInterstate 0A44
CountyDenali Borough
StateAlaska
Coordinates63.76395, -148.90742
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length81 ft (24.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,670 (2020)
Projected traffic3,560 by 2039
Trucks26%
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 Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch carry?

About 2,670 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch?

The structure is 81 ft (24.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Parks Highway over Iceworm Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.