Bridges and Structures

The Forest Service manages over 6600 road bridges and 7300 trail bridges, ranging from simple structures to complex. These bridges provide critical access links to ensure the public can enjoy more of their public lands and to assist in management of forest lands for resource benefit. Although a great majority of Forest Service bridges were built using timber and engineered wood products, other materials have been used such as steel, concrete and pre-stressed concrete and prefabricated steel structures. The Forest Service, like all road management agencies, is responsible for managing the agency’s network of bridges in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s National Bridge Inspection Standards. This ensures that Forest Service bridges are safe for travel by the public.
Some bridges may be posted with a weight restriction less than legal vehicle weights. An overload permit is required to cross a load posted bridge with a vehicle that exceeds the posted weight restrictions. Please contact your local Forest Service office regarding specific questions about overload permits.

Ropeways and Tramways
A ropeway can be defined as a system for transporting materials or passengers in carriers suspended from or controlled by ropes. Ski lifts, tramways, funiculars, and cable cars are examples of ropeways. Many ski areas and other natural resource based recreation facilities are located on national forests and grasslands and are operated under special use permits. Various types of ropeways are used at these recreation areas to serve sightseers, mountain bikers, and hikers. The permit holders of these recreation areas are responsible for the operation and inspection of these ropeways. The Forest Service provides oversight and monitoring of permittee operations to ensure the public can safely enjoy these activities.

Tunnels
Some Forest Service lands include tunnels that were built for railroads, vehicle roads, or other purposes. Some of these tunnels are still used for their original purposes and others have been converted to other uses, such as recreational bicycle trails. Tunnels on roads open to the public are subject to the FHWA’s National Tunnel Inspection Standards.
