US Bridges

SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R.

Fair

Bonner County, Idaho · 8.4 N. Priest River · Structure no. 000000000014890

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R. is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R. in Bonner County, Idaho. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 89 years old, older than the Idaho average of 45.3 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.

It carries about 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,150 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 57
CrossesLower W.Branch Priest R.
Location8.4 N. Priest River
RouteState Highway 57
CountyBonner County
StateIdaho
Coordinates48.28042, -116.95531
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2023)
Projected traffic3,150 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$612,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R. built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R. 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R. carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R.?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 57 over Lower W.Branch Priest R.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.