US Bridges

Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage

PoorPosted for load

Teton County, Wyoming · 10 +/- Mi. South of Madis · Structure no. 1570064P0000000

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
25 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2019 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage is a wood or timber slab carrying Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage in Teton County, Wyoming. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 years old, older than the Wyoming average of 48.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2039. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesFirehole Lake Driv
CrossesThermal Area Drainage
Location10 +/- Mi. South of Madis
RouteFederal Lands Road 505
StateWyoming
Coordinates44.54311, -110.79136
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span4 ft (1.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2019)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2039
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$195,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 4 ft (1.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Firehole Lake Driv over Thermal Area Drainage?

It is owned by the National Park Service.