US Bridges

US 95 over Blackwell Slough

Fair

Kootenai County, Idaho · 1.3 S. Coeur Dalene · Structure no. 000000000018675

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 95 over Blackwell Slough is a concrete tee beam carrying US 95 over Blackwell Slough in Kootenai County, Idaho. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 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 15,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,250 by 2042. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.8 mi (122 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 95
CrossesBlackwell Slough
Location1.3 S. Coeur Dalene
RouteU.S. Route 95
CountyKootenai County
StateIdaho
Coordinates47.68117, -116.80658
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,500 (2023)
Projected traffic23,250 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.8 mi (122 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2.3 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 95 over Blackwell Slough built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 95 over Blackwell Slough 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 95 over Blackwell Slough carry?

About 15,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 95 over Blackwell Slough?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 95 over Blackwell Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.