US Bridges

Richardson Highway over Little Salcha River

Fair

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 329.1 · Structure no. 0530

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
92 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
930
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Highway over Little Salcha River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Richardson Highway over Little Salcha River in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 930 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,110 by 2039. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesRichardson Highway
CrossesLittle Salcha River
LocationMile Point 329.1
RouteInterstate 0A24
StateAlaska
Coordinates64.51586, -146.97502
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic930 (2020)
Projected traffic1,110 by 2039
Trucks14%
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 Salcha River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richardson Highway over Little Salcha 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Richardson Highway over Little Salcha River carry?

About 930 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Richardson Highway over Little Salcha River?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Richardson Highway over Little Salcha River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.