US Bridges

Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR

Fair

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 0.1 · Structure no. 1840

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 5 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2035. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesValley Forge DR
CrossesWest Fk Ketchikan CR
LocationMile Point 0.1
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKetchikan Gateway Borough
StateAlaska
Coordinates55.3468, -131.6379
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46.6 US tons
Inventory rating31.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic110 by 2035
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Forge DR over West Fk Ketchikan CR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.