US Bridges

Richardson Highway over Darling Creek

Fair

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 233.8 · Structure no. 0592

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
240
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Highway over Darling Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Richardson Highway over Darling Creek in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2039. The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesRichardson Highway
CrossesDarling Creek
LocationMile Point 233.8
RouteState Highway 71
CountySoutheast Fairbanks Census Area
StateAlaska
Coordinates63.5812, -145.8666
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length82 ft (24.9 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (2020)
Projected traffic280 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 Richardson Highway over Darling Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richardson Highway over Darling 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 Richardson Highway over Darling Creek carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Richardson Highway over Darling Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Richardson Highway over Darling Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.