US Bridges

Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem River

FairPosted for load

Tillamook County, Oregon · 016 MI NE HWY 53 & 101 Jt · Structure no. 01217 046 01776

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
314 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,592
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem River is a steel truss - thru carrying Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem River in Tillamook County, Oregon. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 1,592 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2042. The structure is 314 ft (95.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOr 53 (hwy 46)
CrossesNehalem River
Location016 MI NE HWY 53 & 101 Jt
RouteState Highway 53
CountyTillamook County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.70913, -123.85869
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.7 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length314 ft (95.6 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,592 (2022)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem River built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem River carry?

About 1,592 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem River?

The structure is 314 ft (95.6 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Or 53 (hwy 46) over Nehalem River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.