US Bridges

NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon

FairPosted for load

Yavapai County, Arizona · 0.3 MI Sw/O Az 89 · Structure no. 030901000003381

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
165 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon is a steel truss - deck carrying NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon in Yavapai County, Arizona. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 99 by 2042. The structure is 165 ft (50.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 3101A
CrossesLittle Hells Canyon
Location0.3 MI Sw/O Az 89
RouteFederal Lands Road 902
CountyYavapai County
StateArizona
Coordinates35.07993, -112.40665
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length165 ft (50.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic99 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$500,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon?

The structure is 165 ft (50.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 3101A over Little Hells Canyon?

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