US Bridges

Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct

PoorPosted for load

Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 0.1 · Structure no. 1841

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
127 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2035. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSayles/Gorge ST
CrossesSayles/Gorge Viaduct
LocationMile Point 0.1
RouteCity Street 0
CountyKetchikan Gateway Borough
StateAlaska
Coordinates55.3462, -131.6594
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans11
Design loadUnknown
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2018)
Projected traffic50 by 2035
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesOther
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct 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 Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Sayles/Gorge ST over Sayles/Gorge Viaduct?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.