US Bridges

Ralston-Benge RD over Cow Creek

Fair

Adams County, Washington · 05.76 MI E SR261 · Structure no. 082408000000000

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
62
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ralston-Benge RD over Cow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Ralston-Benge RD over Cow Creek in Adams County, Washington. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 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 62 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 75 by 2041. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

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CarriesRalston-Benge RD
CrossesCow Creek
Location05.76 MI E SR261
RouteCounty Highway 52921
CountyAdams County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.95758, -118.22135
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2020)
Projected traffic75 by 2041
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ralston-Benge RD over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ralston-Benge RD over Cow 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Ralston-Benge RD over Cow Creek carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is Ralston-Benge RD over Cow Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ralston-Benge RD over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.