FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

IRR BIA RTE 1026

Carrying IRR BIA RTE 1026 over UNNAMED CREED

0.8 MI N OF WINDY BAY RD., Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

FHWA NBI inspection record for this structure. Condition ratings, inventory load rating, span, deck width, and average daily traffic refresh annually with each NBI release.

Structurally Deficient

Bridge Snapshot: IRR BIA RTE 1026

The IRR BIA RTE 1026 bridge in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska carries IRR BIA RTE 1026 over UNNAMED CREED. It was built in 1997, making it 29 years old today. The structure is built primarily of wood or timber and spans 1 section, stretching 11.3 meters (37 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 10 vehicles, placing it in the lower-traffic tier of Alaska bridges. It is owned and maintained by Indian Tribal Government, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show superstructure at 3/9, substructure at 5/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in poor condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. Because at least one major component scores 4 or lower, the FHWA classifies this bridge as structurally deficient — a maintenance flag, not a closure order.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, IRR BIA RTE 1026 is one data point in a Alaska inventory that FHWA inspects on a two-year cycle (more often when ratings fall). Bridge age alone is not a reliable safety signal — a 29-era structure can outperform a newer one when maintenance is consistent, materials are sound, and traffic loads stay within design limits. Use the condition ratings above, the sufficiency score, and the structurally-deficient flag together to read the bridge's real status, and check the linked county and state pages to see how this bridge ranks against its peers.

Every figure on this page comes directly from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory (NBI), the public dataset that catalogs more than 617,000 highway bridges across the United States and is updated annually from the records that each state Department of Transportation submits to the FHWA. The condition codes use the standardized FHWA Recording and Coding Guide, the same scale that determines federal eligibility for the Highway Bridge Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant set-aside for off-system bridges. A "structurally deficient" classification under those federal criteria is a maintenance and funding flag, never a closure order; states keep deficient bridges open with load posting, weight limits, or accelerated inspection cycles until rehabilitation or replacement is funded. See our methodology for refresh cadence and the exact NBI release vintage powering each record.

How IRR BIA RTE 1026 compares

45
Bridges in Kenai Peninsula · 10 structurally deficient

NBI inventory load rating (metric tons) and structural-deficiency status compared across Alaska, computed live from the FHWA NBI.

Condition Ratings

Superstructure
3/9
Poor (1–4)
Substructure
5/9
Fair (5–6)
SD Status
Structurally Deficient

Ratings are on a 0–9 scale: 9 = Excellent, 7–8 = Good, 5–6 = Fair, 3–4 = Poor, 0–2 = Critical/Failed. Sufficiency rating (0–100) combines structural adequacy, functional obsolescence, and essentiality.

Structural Details

Year Built
1997
Material
Wood or Timber
Number of Spans
1
Structure Length
11.3 m (37 ft)
Deck Width
5.0 m (16 ft)
Owner
Indian Tribal Government
Avg Daily Traffic
10 vehicles/day
Structure Number
000000001026-40

Location

0.8 MI N OF WINDY BAY RD., Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
59.296917, -151.685278
View on Google Maps ↗

Data Source

Data from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Bridge inspections are required every two years by federal law. Conditions reflect the most recent inspection.

FHWA NBI Program ↗

Condition Analysis

Built in 1997, this bridge is 29 years old. It carries approximately 10 vehicles per day. Based on the most recent FHWA inspection:

  • The superstructure (beams and supports above the deck) is in poor condition (3/9), showing advanced deterioration that may require priority repair.
  • The substructure (piers and abutments) is in fair condition (5/9), with minor deterioration that may require routine maintenance.

This bridge is classified as structurally deficient, meaning at least one major component is rated in poor condition. This does not mean the bridge is unsafe — it means it requires repair or monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for IRR BIA RTE 1026?

Bridge condition ratings use a 0–9 scale set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ratings 7–9 indicate good condition with no significant problems. Ratings 5–6 mean fair condition with minor issues. Ratings 3–4 indicate poor condition requiring repair. Ratings 0–2 are critical, meaning the bridge has serious structural problems. IRR BIA RTE 1026 in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, superstructure rating of 3/9, and substructure rating of 5/9.

How often is IRR BIA RTE 1026 inspected?

Federal law requires most highway bridges to be inspected at least every 24 months. Bridges in poor condition or with known issues may be inspected more frequently (every 12 months or less). IRR BIA RTE 1026 is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 10 vehicles crossing daily, regular inspection is essential.

What does "structurally deficient" mean for a bridge?

A structurally deficient bridge has at least one major component (deck, superstructure, or substructure) rated 4 or below on the FHWA 0–9 scale. This classification does NOT mean the bridge is unsafe for travel — it means the bridge needs repair, rehabilitation, or eventual replacement. Structurally deficient bridges remain open and are monitored. IRR BIA RTE 1026 is currently classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for IRR BIA RTE 1026?

The NBI inventory rating is the load level a bridge is rated to carry for an indefinite period, recorded in metric tons. A lower number means the structure is more load-restricted. It is distinct from the FHWA sufficiency rating, a separate 0–100 funding-eligibility score that this dataset does not include.

Who is responsible for maintaining IRR BIA RTE 1026?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. IRR BIA RTE 1026 is maintained by Indian Tribal Government. The FHWA oversees the National Bridge Inventory program and sets inspection standards, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the owning agency. If you notice damage or safety concerns, contact your state DOT or call 911 for emergencies.

How old is IRR BIA RTE 1026 and does age affect safety?

IRR BIA RTE 1026 was built in 1997, making it 29 years old. Bridge age alone does not determine safety — condition depends on materials, design, traffic load, maintenance history, and environmental exposure. Many older bridges remain in good condition due to regular maintenance and reconstruction.

Disclaimer: Bridge condition data is from the FHWA NBI and reflects the last reported inspection. A structurally deficient rating does not mean a bridge is closed or unsafe for travel — it indicates the bridge requires repair or replacement. For current closure or safety information, contact your state DOT.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges Editorial