US Bridges

Morter Lane over Rhea Creek

FairPosted for load

Morrow County, Oregon · 0.02 MI W of Rhea CR RD · Structure no. 49C22 057600000

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
36
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Morter Lane over Rhea Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Morter Lane over Rhea Creek in Morrow County, Oregon. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 100 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 36 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 36 by 2025. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesMorter Lane
CrossesRhea Creek
Location0.02 MI W of Rhea CR RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMorrow County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.43809, -119.78172
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating17.5 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36 (2020)
Projected traffic36 by 2025
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
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 Morter Lane over Rhea Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is Morter Lane over Rhea Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does Morter Lane over Rhea Creek carry?

About 36 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Morter Lane over Rhea Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Morter Lane over Rhea Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.