US Bridges

FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa River

FairPosted for load

Ashland County, Wisconsin · 9.8 M. S. JCT Sth 77 · Structure no. 090202000001011

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
175 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
20
1978 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa River in Ashland County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2045. The structure is 175 ft (53.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFR164
CrossesE. Fk. Chippewa River
Location9.8 M. S. JCT Sth 77
RouteFederal Lands Road 164
CountyAshland County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates46.0368, -90.7166
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating16.8 US tons
Inventory rating13.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length175 ft (53.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (1978)
Projected traffic30 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (1978 count).

How long is FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa River?

The structure is 175 ft (53.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns FR164 over E. Fk. Chippewa River?

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