US Bridges

SH 3 over ST Joe River

Good

Benewah County, Idaho · In ST Maries · Structure no. 000000000018896

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
431 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 3 over ST Joe River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 3 over ST Joe River in Benewah County, Idaho. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 years old, younger than the Idaho average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,800 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,200 by 2042. The structure is 431 ft (131.4 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 95.1 mi (153 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 3
CrossesST Joe River
LocationIn ST Maries
RouteState Highway 3
CountyBenewah County
StateIdaho
Coordinates47.31669, -116.56197
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length431 ft (131.4 m)
Longest span196 ft (59.7 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,800 (2023)
Projected traffic7,200 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed95.1 mi (153 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$7.3 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 3 over ST Joe River built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 3 over ST Joe River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 3 over ST Joe River carry?

About 4,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 3 over ST Joe River?

The structure is 431 ft (131.4 m) long with a longest span of 196 ft (59.7 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SH 3 over ST Joe River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.