US Bridges

8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River

Fair

Harney County, Oregon · 2.85 Miles E of Frenchgle · Structure no. 0000000L1439001

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2024 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Land Management

About this bridge

8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River in Harney County, Oregon. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 75 by 2044. The structure is 90 ft (27.5 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 83.9 mi (135 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries8244: Steens Mount
CrossesBlitzen River
Location2.85 Miles E of Frenchgle
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyHarney County
StateOregon
Coordinates42.80926, -118.86985
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2024)
Projected traffic75 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed83.9 mi (135 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Land Management
Maintained byBureau of Land Management
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is 8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does 8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River?

The structure is 90 ft (27.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns 8244: Steens Mount over Blitzen River?

It is owned by the Bureau of Land Management.