US Bridges

Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina River

FairPosted for load

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 12.5 · Structure no. 0462

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina River is a steel truss - thru carrying Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina River in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 70 by 2035. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesSterling L/Ophir
CrossesTatalina River
LocationMile Point 12.5
RouteState Highway 261
CountyYukon-Koyukuk Census Area
StateAlaska
Coordinates62.88437, -155.94331
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating18.4 US tons
Inventory rating13.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2018)
Projected traffic70 by 2035
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina 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 2024.

How much traffic does Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina River carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Sterling L/Ophir over Tatalina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.