US Bridges

Sterling L/Ophir over Independence Creek

FairPosted for load

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska · Mile Point 33.1 · Structure no. 1200

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sterling L/Ophir over Independence Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sterling L/Ophir over Independence Creek in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesSterling L/Ophir
CrossesIndependence Creek
LocationMile Point 33.1
RouteState Highway NSP00
CountyYukon-Koyukuk Census Area
StateAlaska
Coordinates63.04964, -156.28527
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 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 Independence Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

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

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

How long is Sterling L/Ophir over Independence Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Sterling L/Ophir over Independence Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.