US Bridges

Sams Road over Dry Creek

PoorPosted for load

Umatilla County, Oregon · 0.1 MI E of Steen Road · Structure no. 59C421062100005

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sams Road over Dry Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Sams Road over Dry Creek in Umatilla 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 9 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9 by 2025. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSams Road
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.1 MI E of Steen Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyUmatilla County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.85814, -118.40233
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9 (2020)
Projected traffic9 by 2025
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$279,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sams Road over Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is Sams Road over Dry Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Sams Road over Dry Creek carry?

About 9 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Sams Road over Dry Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Sams Road over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.