US Bridges

Sterling L/Ophir over California Creek

PoorPosted for load

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 37.1 · Structure no. 0466

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sterling L/Ophir over California Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sterling L/Ophir over California Creek in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 4 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 45 ft (13.6 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesSterling L/Ophir
CrossesCalifornia Creek
LocationMile Point 37.1
RouteState Highway NSP00
StateAlaska
Coordinates63.07834, -156.38448
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 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 California Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sterling L/Ophir over California Creek 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 California Creek carry?

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

How long is Sterling L/Ophir over California Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Sterling L/Ophir over California Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.