US Bridges

Cedar Road over Cottonwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Nez Perce County, Idaho · 0.7 S. 1.2 E. Myrtle · Structure no. 000000000029890

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cedar Road over Cottonwood Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Cedar Road over Cottonwood Creek in Nez Perce County, Idaho. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2039. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCedar Road
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location0.7 S. 1.2 E. Myrtle
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNez Perce County
StateIdaho
Coordinates46.48692, -116.69489
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2023)
Projected traffic30 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$485,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cedar Road over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cedar Road 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Cedar Road over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cedar Road over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Cedar Road over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.