US Bridges

US 12 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Nez Perce County, Idaho · 14.6 E. Lewiston · Structure no. 000000000010396

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
91 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 over Cottonwood Creek in Nez Perce County, Idaho. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 4,900 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,350 by 2042. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 12
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location14.6 E. Lewiston
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyNez Perce County
StateIdaho
Coordinates46.49994, -116.71339
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,900 (2023)
Projected traffic7,350 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 12 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 12 over Cottonwood 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 February 2021.

How much traffic does US 12 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 4,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.