US Bridges

US 26 (hwy 047) over Nehalem River

Fair

Washington County, Oregon · 15.6 MI W of HWY 37 JCT · Structure no. 02364A047 03788

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
182 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,383
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 26 (hwy 047) over Nehalem River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 26 (hwy 047) over Nehalem River in Washington County, Oregon. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 85 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 6,383 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,800 by 2042. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 40.4 mi (65 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 26 (hwy 047)
CrossesNehalem River
Location15.6 MI W of HWY 37 JCT
RouteU.S. Route 26
CountyWashington County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.759, -123.2968
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.5 US tons
Inventory rating14.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width61 ft (18.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,383 (2022)
Projected traffic8,800 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed40.4 mi (65 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$932,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 26 (hwy 047) over Nehalem River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is US 26 (hwy 047) 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 US 26 (hwy 047) over Nehalem River carry?

About 6,383 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 26 (hwy 047) over Nehalem River?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns US 26 (hwy 047) over Nehalem River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.