US Bridges

Empire Ave over B.N.R.R.

Good

Deschutes County, Oregon · N. Bend .25 E of HWY 4 · Structure no. 17C59 333500050

Built
1986
39 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,016
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Empire Ave over B.N.R.R. is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Empire Ave over B.N.R.R. in Deschutes County, Oregon. It was built in 1986 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Oregon average of 49.9 years.

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

It carries about 11,016 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,537 by 2025. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEmpire Ave
CrossesB.N.R.R.
LocationN. Bend .25 E of HWY 4
RouteCounty Highway 41033
CountyDeschutes County
StateOregon
Coordinates44.09081, -121.29986
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,016 (2020)
Projected traffic12,537 by 2025
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$666,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Empire Ave over B.N.R.R. built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Empire Ave over B.N.R.R. 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 2023.

How much traffic does Empire Ave over B.N.R.R. carry?

About 11,016 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Empire Ave over B.N.R.R.?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns Empire Ave over B.N.R.R.?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.