US Bridges

BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep Creek

Fair

Elko County, Nevada · 17.3 KM SW of Owyhee · Structure no. 0000H64641B0327

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Wood or Timber
Length
158 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2024 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Indian Affairs

About this bridge

BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep Creek is a wood or timber girder and floorbeam system carrying BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep Creek in Elko County, Nevada. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, older than the Nevada average of 36.4 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: open, posting recommended but not legally implemented.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBIA IRR RTE 203
CrossesSheep Creek
Location17.3 KM SW of Owyhee
RouteFederal Lands Road 203
CountyElko County
StateNevada
Coordinates41.85483, -116.26614
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, posting recommended but not legally implemented
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating5.4 US tons
Inventory rating3.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans13
Design loadUnknown
Structure length158 ft (48.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width9 ft (2.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2024)
Projected traffic5 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Indian Affairs
Maintained byBureau of Indian Affairs
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$600,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep Creek?

The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns BIA IRR RTE 203 over Sheep Creek?

It is owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.