US Bridges

Malheur Lake Road over Blitzen River

FairPosted for load

Harney County, Oregon · 1.0 MI NE of Hdqtrs · Structure no. 000013570-00517

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2
2024 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Fish and Wildlife

About this bridge

Malheur Lake Road over Blitzen River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Malheur Lake Road over Blitzen River in Harney County, Oregon. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 65 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 2 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesMalheur Lake Road
CrossesBlitzen River
Location1.0 MI NE of Hdqtrs
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyHarney County
StateOregon
Coordinates43.27133, -118.83817
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating80 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck107 ft (32.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2 (2024)
Projected traffic5 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Fish and Wildlife
Maintained byBureau of Fish and Wildlife
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Malheur Lake Road over Blitzen River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Malheur Lake Road 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Malheur Lake Road over Blitzen River carry?

About 2 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Malheur Lake Road over Blitzen River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Malheur Lake Road over Blitzen River?

It is owned by the Bureau of Fish and Wildlife.