US Bridges

Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford Creek

Fair

Clearwater County, Idaho · 2.8 S. 2.3 E. Orofino · Structure no. 000000000029045

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
73 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
480
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford Creek is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford Creek in Clearwater County, Idaho. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 480 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 720 by 2039. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLower Ford Crk RD
CrossesJim Ford Creek
Location2.8 S. 2.3 E. Orofino
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyClearwater County
StateIdaho
Coordinates46.43925, -116.20759
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic480 (2023)
Projected traffic720 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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$842,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford Creek carry?

About 480 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford Creek?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Lower Ford Crk RD over Jim Ford Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.