US Bridges

US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Oregon · 018 MI N Madras · Structure no. 07074 053 11558

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,652
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal in Jefferson County, Oregon. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 9,652 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,700 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28.6 mi (46 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 26 (hwy 053)
CrossesN Unit Canal
Location018 MI N Madras
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyJefferson County
StateOregon
Coordinates44.66818, -121.13842
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,652 (2022)
Projected traffic10,700 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28.6 mi (46 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal carry?

About 9,652 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 26 (hwy 053) over N Unit Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.