US Bridges

FSR 708 over Fossil Creek

PoorPosted for load

Gila County, Arizona · .5 MI Sw/O Fossil Ck · Structure no. 031204000003215

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
71 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
220
2021 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

FSR 708 over Fossil Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying FSR 708 over Fossil Creek in Gila County, Arizona. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 299 by 2040. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

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CarriesFSR 708
CrossesFossil Creek
Location.5 MI Sw/O Fossil Ck
RouteFederal Lands Road 708
CountyGila County
StateArizona
Coordinates34.39429, -111.63006
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2021)
Projected traffic299 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$600,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FSR 708 over Fossil Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is FSR 708 over Fossil 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FSR 708 over Fossil Creek carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FSR 708 over Fossil Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FSR 708 over Fossil Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.