US Bridges

FR173 over Moose River

Fair

Sawyer County, Wisconsin · 8.0 M. W. JCT Cth Gg · Structure no. 090204000001014

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2
1978 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

FR173 over Moose River is a wood or timber slab carrying FR173 over Moose River in Sawyer County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 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 2 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3 by 2045. The structure is 51 ft (15.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFR173
CrossesMoose River
Location8.0 M. W. JCT Cth Gg
RouteFederal Lands Road 173
CountySawyer County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates46.0578, -90.92573
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.6 US tons
Inventory rating64.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.4 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2 (1978)
Projected traffic3 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 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 FR173 over Moose River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is FR173 over Moose 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 FR173 over Moose River carry?

About 2 vehicles per day (1978 count).

How long is FR173 over Moose River?

The structure is 51 ft (15.4 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FR173 over Moose River?

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