US Bridges

Sterling L/Ophir over Takotna River

PoorPosted for load

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 21.8 · Structure no. 0463

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
255 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sterling L/Ophir over Takotna River is a steel truss - thru carrying Sterling L/Ophir over Takotna River in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the Alaska average of 35.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 2 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. 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 255 ft (77.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesSterling L/Ophir
CrossesTakotna River
LocationMile Point 21.8
RouteState Highway 261
StateAlaska
Coordinates62.96824, -156.09165
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length255 ft (77.7 m)
Longest span250 ft (76.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

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 Takotna River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sterling L/Ophir over Takotna River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

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

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

How long is Sterling L/Ophir over Takotna River?

The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long with a longest span of 250 ft (76.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Sterling L/Ophir over Takotna River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.