US Bridges

US 26 over Big Wind River

Fair

Fremont County, Wyoming · Diversion D Jt - Riverton · Structure no. BYV

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
502 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,040
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 26 over Big Wind River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 26 over Big Wind River in Fremont County, Wyoming. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Wyoming average of 48.4 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 1,040 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,456 by 2043. The structure is 502 ft (152.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 26
CrossesBig Wind River
LocationDiversion D Jt - Riverton
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyFremont County
StateWyoming
Coordinates43.2202, -108.89421
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length502 ft (152.9 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.2 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,040 (2024)
Projected traffic1,456 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 26 over Big Wind River built?

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

What condition is US 26 over Big Wind 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 26 over Big Wind River carry?

About 1,040 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 26 over Big Wind River?

The structure is 502 ft (152.9 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.2 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US 26 over Big Wind River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.