US Bridges

Parks Highway over Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB

Fair

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 319.2 · Structure no. 1161

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
519 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,700
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Parks Highway over Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Parks Highway over Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 7,700 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,350 by 2039. The structure is 519 ft (158.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesParks Highway
CrossesChena Riv (parks Hwy) SB
LocationMile Point 319.2
RouteInterstate 0A45
CountyFairbanks North Star Borough
StateAlaska
Coordinates64.84086, -147.84401
Functional classUrban 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length519 ft (158.1 m)
Longest span129 ft (39.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,700 (2020)
Projected traffic13,350 by 2039
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Parks Highway over Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Parks Highway over Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB 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 Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB carry?

About 7,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Parks Highway over Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB?

The structure is 519 ft (158.1 m) long with a longest span of 129 ft (39.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Parks Highway over Chena Riv (parks Hwy) SB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.