US Bridges

SH 16 over Black Canyon Canal

Fair

Gem County, Idaho · 1.8 S. Emmett · Structure no. 000000000012160

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Black Canyon Canal is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 16 over Black Canyon Canal in Gem County, Idaho. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 12,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,000 by 2042. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesBlack Canyon Canal
Location1.8 S. Emmett
RouteState Highway 16
CountyGem County
StateIdaho
Coordinates43.85886, -116.46386
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
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 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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,000 (2023)
Projected traffic18,000 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.3 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over Black Canyon Canal built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 16 over Black Canyon 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Black Canyon Canal carry?

About 12,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Black Canyon Canal?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Black Canyon Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.