US Bridges

SR 26 over Palouse River

Fair

Adams County, Washington · 14.1 E JCT SR 261 · Structure no. 0009007A0000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
250 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,646
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over Palouse River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 26 over Palouse River in Adams County, Washington. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 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 1,646 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,046 by 2039. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 26
CrossesPalouse River
Location14.1 E JCT SR 261
RouteState Highway 26
CountyAdams County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.77373, -118.04241
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,646 (2023)
Projected traffic2,046 by 2039
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 26 over Palouse River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 26 over Palouse 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 26 over Palouse River carry?

About 1,646 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over Palouse River?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SR 26 over Palouse River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.