US Bridges

Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd)

Fair

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 2.3 · Structure no. 1212

Built
1975
50 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,110
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd) is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd) in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1975 and reconstructed in 2013, 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 2,110 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,830 by 2039. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNordale Road
CrossesChena River (nordale Rd)
LocationMile Point 2.3
RouteState Highway 653
CountyFairbanks North Star Borough
StateAlaska
Coordinates64.84659, -147.41039
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,110 (2020)
Projected traffic2,830 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd) built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd) 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 2024.

How much traffic does Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd) carry?

About 2,110 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd)?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Nordale Road over Chena River (nordale Rd)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.