US Bridges

Alaska Highway over Sheep Creek

Good

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 118.1 · Structure no. 4000

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
230
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Alaska Highway over Sheep Creek is a steel culvert carrying Alaska Highway over Sheep Creek in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1985, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 230 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2039. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesAlaska Highway
CrossesSheep Creek
LocationMile Point 118.1
RouteInterstate 0A21
StateAlaska
Coordinates63.42483, -143.81576
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (2020)
Projected traffic600 by 2039
Trucks19%
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 Alaska Highway over Sheep Creek built?

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

What condition is Alaska Highway over Sheep 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Alaska Highway over Sheep Creek carry?

About 230 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Alaska Highway over Sheep Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Alaska Highway over Sheep Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.