North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek
PoorKetchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 4.6 · Structure no. 0747
- Built
- 1975
- 50 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected June 2023
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 195 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 5,250
- 2020 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek in Ketchikan Gateway 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 5,250 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,380 by 2039. The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek built?
It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.
What condition is North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.
How much traffic does North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek carry?
About 5,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek?
The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.
Who owns North Tongass HWY over Ward Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.