US Bridges

Birch Creek Road over Birch Creek

Fair

Umatilla County, Oregon · 1.3 MI S of Rieth Road · Structure no. 59C071130100130

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
168
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Birch Creek Road over Birch Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Birch Creek Road over Birch Creek in Umatilla County, Oregon. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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.

It carries about 168 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 198 by 2025. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBirch Creek Road
CrossesBirch Creek
Location1.3 MI S of Rieth Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUmatilla County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.64669, -118.8725
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic168 (2020)
Projected traffic198 by 2025
Trucks25%
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

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

Frequently asked questions

When was Birch Creek Road over Birch Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Birch Creek Road over Birch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Birch Creek Road over Birch Creek carry?

About 168 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Birch Creek Road over Birch Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Birch Creek Road over Birch Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.