US Bridges

University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave)

Good

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 0.4 · Structure no. 0263

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
280 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,700
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave) is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave) in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 years old, younger than the Alaska average of 35.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 14,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,800 by 2039. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUniversity Ave
CrossesChena River (univ Ave)
LocationMile Point 0.4
RouteState Highway 617
CountyFairbanks North Star Borough
StateAlaska
Coordinates64.84236, -147.81262
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating47.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.9 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,700 (2020)
Projected traffic18,800 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave) built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave) in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave) carry?

About 14,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave)?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns University Ave over Chena River (univ Ave)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.