US Bridges

HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers)

FairPosted for load

Coos County, Oregon · 00.7 MI S Powers Ncl · Structure no. 01942A242 01822

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
531 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,386
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers) is a steel truss - deck carrying HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers) in Coos County, Oregon. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 91 years old, older than the Oregon average of 49.9 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,386 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2042. The structure is 531 ft (161.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY 242
CrossesS Fk Coquille R (powers)
Location00.7 MI S Powers Ncl
RouteState Highway 542
CountyCoos County
StateOregon
Coordinates42.8843, -124.073
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+13 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length531 ft (161.8 m)
Longest span127 ft (38.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,386 (2022)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers) built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers) 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 2023.

How much traffic does HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers) carry?

About 1,386 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers)?

The structure is 531 ft (161.8 m) long with a longest span of 127 ft (38.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 242 over S Fk Coquille R (powers)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.