US Bridges

SH 7 over Clearwater River

Fair

Clearwater County, Idaho · In Orofino · Structure no. 000000000010206

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
428 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Clearwater River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 7 over Clearwater River in Clearwater County, Idaho. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 7,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,700 by 2042. The structure is 428 ft (130.5 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesClearwater River
LocationIn Orofino
RouteState Highway 7
CountyClearwater County
StateIdaho
Coordinates46.478, -116.25897
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length428 ft (130.5 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,800 (2023)
Projected traffic11,700 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$6.7 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Clearwater River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Clearwater River 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 October 2021.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Clearwater River carry?

About 7,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Clearwater River?

The structure is 428 ft (130.5 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Clearwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.