US Bridges

SH 78 over Scorpion Creek

Good

Owyhee County, Idaho · 5.7 N 0.6 W Murphy · Structure no. 000000000034025

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2021
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 78 over Scorpion Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying SH 78 over Scorpion Creek in Owyhee County, Idaho. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger than the Idaho average of 45.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,250 by 2042. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 78
CrossesScorpion Creek
Location5.7 N 0.6 W Murphy
RouteState Highway 78
CountyOwyhee County
StateIdaho
Coordinates43.29972, -116.565
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating57.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2023)
Projected traffic2,250 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 78 over Scorpion Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 78 over Scorpion Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2021.

How much traffic does SH 78 over Scorpion Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 78 over Scorpion Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SH 78 over Scorpion Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.