US Bridges

Helmick Road over Luckiamute River

FairPosted for load

Polk County, Oregon · At Helmick State Park · Structure no. 53C122959900443

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
301 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
332
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Helmick Road over Luckiamute River is a steel truss - thru carrying Helmick Road over Luckiamute River in Polk County, Oregon. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 load restriction.

It carries about 332 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 508 by 2040. The structure is 301 ft (91.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

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CarriesHelmick Road
CrossesLuckiamute River
LocationAt Helmick State Park
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPolk County
StateOregon
Coordinates44.78233, -123.23474
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.4 US tons
Inventory rating8.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length301 ft (91.7 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic332 (2020)
Projected traffic508 by 2040
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Helmick Road over Luckiamute River built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Helmick Road over Luckiamute River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Helmick Road over Luckiamute River carry?

About 332 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Helmick Road over Luckiamute River?

The structure is 301 ft (91.7 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Helmick Road over Luckiamute River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.