US Bridges

Lower Metol Access over Metolius River

Fair

Jefferson County, Oregon · No Data Entered · Structure no. 060105000001021

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
46
1988 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Lower Metol Access over Metolius River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lower Metol Access over Metolius River in Jefferson County, Oregon. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 69 by 2045. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

CarriesLower Metol Access
CrossesMetolius River
LocationNo Data Entered
RouteFederal Lands Road 12000
StateOregon
Coordinates44.55655, -121.62054
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (1988)
Projected traffic69 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lower Metol Access over Metolius River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lower Metol Access over Metolius 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Lower Metol Access over Metolius River carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (1988 count).

How long is Lower Metol Access over Metolius River?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Lower Metol Access over Metolius River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.