US Bridges

Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch

FairPosted for load

Umatilla County, Oregon · 7.0 MI W of HWY 37 · Structure no. 59C132100001949

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
225
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch in Umatilla County, Oregon. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 225 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 270 by 2025. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDespain Gulch Road
CrossesDespain Gulch
Location7.0 MI W of HWY 37
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUmatilla County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.77118, -118.93187
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.8 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2020)
Projected traffic270 by 2025
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed4.3 mi (7 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 Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch 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 Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Despain Gulch Road over Despain Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.