US Bridges

US 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz Creek

Fair

Clatsop County, Oregon · 13.6 MI W of Nehalem R · Structure no. 02164 047 02423

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
835 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
6,082
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz Creek in Clatsop County, Oregon. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Oregon average of 49.9 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 6,082 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,400 by 2042. The structure is 835 ft (254.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 26 (hwy 047)
CrossesNorth Fork Quartz Creek
Location13.6 MI W of Nehalem R
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyClatsop County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.84114, -123.51755
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.6 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadH 15
Structure length835 ft (254.5 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,082 (2022)
Projected traffic6,400 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$4.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz 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 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz Creek carry?

About 6,082 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz Creek?

The structure is 835 ft (254.5 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 26 (hwy 047) over North Fork Quartz Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.