US Bridges

SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder River

Fair

Sheridan County, Wyoming · 0.3 Miles South of Arvada · Structure no. FPK

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
232 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder River in Sheridan County, Wyoming. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 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 13 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 18 by 2043. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH Cnty RD 38
CrossesPowder River
Location0.3 Miles South of Arvada
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountySheridan County
StateWyoming
Coordinates44.65091, -106.13068
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13 (2024)
Projected traffic18 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder River carry?

About 13 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder River?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH Cnty RD 38 over Powder River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.