US Bridges

Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek

FairPosted for load

Bonner County, Idaho · 3.2 S. 7.4 E. Samuels · Structure no. 000000000030230

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
61 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 1974, so it is 51 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. 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 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

CarriesRapid Lightning RD
CrossesRapid Lightning Creek
Location3.2 S. 7.4 E. Samuels
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateIdaho
Coordinates48.38244, -116.3275
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 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$631,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 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 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Rapid Lightning RD over Rapid Lightning Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.