US Bridges

US 26 over Idaho Canal

Fair

Bonneville County, Idaho · In Idaho Falls · Structure no. 000000000013255

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 26 over Idaho Canal is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US 26 over Idaho Canal in Bonneville County, Idaho. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 12,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,750 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 26
CrossesIdaho Canal
LocationIn Idaho Falls
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyBonneville County
StateIdaho
Coordinates43.51525, -112.00878
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 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 rating86 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.5 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,500 (2023)
Projected traffic18,750 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.1 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 26 over Idaho Canal built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 26 over Idaho Canal 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 26 over Idaho Canal carry?

About 12,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 26 over Idaho Canal?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns US 26 over Idaho Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.