US Bridges

Richardson Highway over Bear Creek

Good

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 236.1 · Structure no. 0593

Built
2024
1 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
146 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
240
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richardson Highway over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Richardson Highway over Bear Creek in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 2024, so it is 1 years old, younger than the Alaska average of 35.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 240 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2039. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesRichardson Highway
CrossesBear Creek
LocationMile Point 236.1
RouteState Highway 71
StateAlaska
Coordinates63.61303, -145.86444
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating78.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span142 ft (43.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 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 Bear Creek built?

It was built in 2024, making it 1 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richardson Highway over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Richardson Highway over Bear Creek carry?

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

How long is Richardson Highway over Bear Creek?

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 142 ft (43.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Richardson Highway over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.