US Bridges

SR 261 over UP RR

Fair

Columbia County, Washington · 12.5 N JCT US 12 · Structure no. 000000PF0000000

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
485
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 261 over UP RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 261 over UP RR in Columbia County, Washington. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 485 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 471 by 2039. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 261
CrossesUP RR
Location12.5 N JCT US 12
RouteState Highway 261
CountyColumbia County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.56397, -118.18617
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89 US tons
Inventory rating53.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic485 (2023)
Projected traffic471 by 2039
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 261 over UP RR built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 261 over UP RR 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 261 over UP RR carry?

About 485 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SR 261 over UP RR?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 261 over UP RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.