US Bridges

Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River

Fair

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 73.7 · Structure no. 0839

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
300 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 130 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2039. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesTaylor Highway
CrossesSouth Fork 40 Mile River
LocationMile Point 73.7
RouteState Highway 785
StateAlaska
Coordinates64.0581, -141.7663
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2020)
Projected traffic160 by 2039
Trucks28%
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 Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River 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 Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Taylor Highway over South Fork 40 Mile River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.