US Bridges

Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek

Fair

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 11.4 · Structure no. 1461

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
136 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
190
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 1987, 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 190 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 230 by 2039. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThorne Bay Road
CrossesGoose Creek
LocationMile Point 11.4
RouteState Highway 929
CountyPrince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
StateAlaska
Coordinates55.68667, -132.63556
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic190 (2020)
Projected traffic230 by 2039
Trucks26%
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek carry?

About 190 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Thorne Bay Road over Goose Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.