US Bridges

US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill Creek

Fair

Wasco County, Oregon · 038 MI N Wasco Jeff CO LN · Structure no. 01660 053 09268

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
536 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,239
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill Creek is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill Creek in Wasco County, Oregon. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 77 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 6 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 5,239 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2042. The structure is 536 ft (163.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 26 (hwy 053)
CrossesMill Creek
Location038 MI N Wasco Jeff CO LN
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyWasco County
StateOregon
Coordinates44.86507, -121.4217
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating26.1 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length536 ft (163.4 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,239 (2022)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2042
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill Creek carry?

About 5,239 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill Creek?

The structure is 536 ft (163.4 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 26 (hwy 053) over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.