US Bridges

Seward Highway over Salmon Creek

Good

Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 6.0 · Structure no. 0600

Built
1979
46 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
124 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,510
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Seward Highway over Salmon Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Seward Highway over Salmon Creek in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1979 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 46 years old, older 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,510 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,560 by 2039. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesSeward Highway
CrossesSalmon Creek
LocationMile Point 6.0
RouteState Highway 31
StateAlaska
Coordinates60.17861, -149.39528
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.3 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,510 (2020)
Projected traffic4,560 by 2039
Trucks6%
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 Seward Highway over Salmon Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Seward Highway over Salmon Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Seward Highway over Salmon Creek carry?

About 3,510 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Seward Highway over Salmon Creek?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Seward Highway over Salmon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.