US Bridges

Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br

Fair

Latah County, Idaho · 0.1 S. 2.1 E. Helmer · Structure no. 000000000029545

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2023 count
Owner
Local
Other Local Agency

About this bridge

Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br in Latah 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 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2039. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForks Road
CrossesPotlatch R;e.Helmer Br
Location0.1 S. 2.1 E. Helmer
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLatah County
StateIdaho
Coordinates46.7995, -116.42511
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2023)
Projected traffic30 by 2039
Trucks10%
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$554,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br built?

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

What condition is Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br 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 Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Forks Road over Potlatch R;e.Helmer Br?

It is owned by the Other Local Agency.