US Bridges

SR 21 over Bauer Coulee

Poor

Adams County, Washington · 12.7 N JCT US 395 · Structure no. 0003064A0000000

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
135 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
301
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Bauer Coulee is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 21 over Bauer Coulee in Adams County, Washington. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 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.

It carries about 301 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 338 by 2039. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesBauer Coulee
Location12.7 N JCT US 395
RouteState Highway 21
CountyAdams County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.08721, -118.66547
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic301 (2023)
Projected traffic338 by 2039
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Bauer Coulee built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 21 over Bauer Coulee 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Bauer Coulee carry?

About 301 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Bauer Coulee?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 21 over Bauer Coulee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.