US Bridges

Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek

FairPosted for load

Bonner County, Idaho · 3.4 S. 5.4 E. Samuels · Structure no. 000000000030205

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
280
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek in Bonner County, Idaho. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 6 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 280 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2042. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRapid Lightning RD
CrossesRapid Lightning Creek
Location3.4 S. 5.4 E. Samuels
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBonner County
StateIdaho
Coordinates48.38006, -116.36861
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic280 (2023)
Projected traffic420 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$647,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning 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 2023.

How much traffic does Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek carry?

About 280 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.