US Bridges

STH178 SB over Chippewa River

Fair

Chippewa County, Wisconsin · 1.0 M S Cth I · Structure no. B09023600000000

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
879 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,250
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

STH178 SB over Chippewa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying STH178 SB over Chippewa River in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger 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 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 6,250 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,500 by 2041. The structure is 879 ft (267.8 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSTH178 SB
CrossesChippewa River
Location1.0 M S Cth I
RouteState Highway 178
CountyChippewa County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates44.94481, -91.35475
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.4 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length879 ft (267.8 m)
Longest span187 ft (57 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,250 (2021)
Projected traffic7,500 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 STH178 SB over Chippewa River built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is STH178 SB over 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does STH178 SB over Chippewa River carry?

About 6,250 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is STH178 SB over Chippewa River?

The structure is 879 ft (267.8 m) long with a longest span of 187 ft (57 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns STH178 SB over Chippewa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.