US Bridges

Forest Road 443 over Selway River

PoorPosted for load

Idaho County, Idaho · Selway Falls · Structure no. 011707000000084

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
224 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Forest Road 443 over Selway River is a steel truss - thru carrying Forest Road 443 over Selway River in Idaho County, Idaho. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 91 years old, older than the Idaho average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

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CarriesForest Road 443
CrossesSelway River
LocationSelway Falls
RouteFederal Lands Road 443
CountyIdaho County
StateIdaho
Coordinates46.04934, -115.30125
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating18.2 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length224 ft (68.3 m)
Longest span151 ft (45.9 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest Road 443 over Selway River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Forest Road 443 over Selway River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Forest Road 443 over Selway River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Forest Road 443 over Selway River?

The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long with a longest span of 151 ft (45.9 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Forest Road 443 over Selway River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.