US Bridges

Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake

Fair

Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska · Mile Point 0.3 · Structure no. 1691

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
320
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 320 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 390 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesTed Stevens Way
CrossesSwan Lake
LocationMile Point 0.3
RouteCounty Highway NSP00
StateAlaska
Coordinates66.89481, -162.57689
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic320 (2020)
Projected traffic390 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake 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 Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake carry?

About 320 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Ted Stevens Way over Swan Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.