US Bridges

Sth 27 over Eau Claire River

Fair

Bayfield County, Wisconsin · 17.4M N JCT Sth 77 to W · Structure no. B04001400000000

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sth 27 over Eau Claire River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sth 27 over Eau Claire River in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,320 by 2043. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 33.6 mi (54 km).

Location

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CarriesSth 27
CrossesEau Claire River
Location17.4M N JCT Sth 77 to W
RouteState Highway 27
CountyBayfield County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates46.30302, -91.50595
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2022)
Projected traffic1,320 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed33.6 mi (54 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Sth 27 over Eau Claire River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sth 27 over Eau Claire 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Sth 27 over Eau Claire River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Sth 27 over Eau Claire River?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Sth 27 over Eau Claire River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.