US Bridges

Free Use Road over Whitebird Creek

Fair

Idaho County, Idaho · 1.0 N. 1.0 E. Whitebird · Structure no. 000000000029315

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
140
2023 count
Owner
Local
Other Local Agency

About this bridge

Free Use Road over Whitebird Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Free Use Road over Whitebird Creek in Idaho County, Idaho. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 140 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2039. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFree Use Road
CrossesWhitebird Creek
Location1.0 N. 1.0 E. Whitebird
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyIdaho County
StateIdaho
Coordinates45.77797, -116.28022
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2023)
Projected traffic210 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther Local Agency
Maintained byOther Local Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$579,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Free Use Road over Whitebird Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Free Use Road over Whitebird 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 2024.

How much traffic does Free Use Road over Whitebird Creek carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Free Use Road over Whitebird Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Free Use Road over Whitebird Creek?

It is owned by the Other Local Agency.