US Bridges

US 16 over Tensleep Creek

Fair

Washakie County, Wyoming · Ten Sleep-Buffalo Road · Structure no. FRY

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
110 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
799
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 16 over Tensleep Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 16 over Tensleep Creek in Washakie 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 799 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,119 by 2043. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 77.1 mi (124 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 16
CrossesTensleep Creek
LocationTen Sleep-Buffalo Road
RouteU.S. Route 16
CountyWashakie County
StateWyoming
Coordinates44.13767, -107.24748
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.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic799 (2024)
Projected traffic1,119 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed77.1 mi (124 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$150,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 16 over Tensleep Creek built?

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

What condition is US 16 over Tensleep Creek 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 US 16 over Tensleep Creek carry?

About 799 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 16 over Tensleep Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 16 over Tensleep Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.