US Bridges

Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term

FairClosed to traffic

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska · Metlakatla · Structure no. 0178

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2017
Type
Orthotropic
Steel
Length
166 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term is a steel orthotropic carrying Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2035. The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesIrr:marine HWY RTE
CrossesMetlakatla Ferry Term
LocationMetlakatla
RouteState Highway 927
CountyPrince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
StateAlaska
Coordinates55.11782, -131.54718
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2017
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOrthotropic
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length166 ft (50.6 m)
Longest span152 ft (46.3 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2017)
Projected traffic110 by 2035
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a toll 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term 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 July 2017.

How much traffic does Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term?

The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long with a longest span of 152 ft (46.3 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Irr:marine HWY RTE over Metlakatla Ferry Term?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.