US Bridges

SR 261 over Pataha Creek

Good

Columbia County, Washington · 0.2 N JCT US 12 · Structure no. 000000QN0000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
547
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 261 over Pataha Creek is a steel culvert carrying SR 261 over Pataha Creek in Columbia 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 547 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 497 by 2039. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesSR 261
CrossesPataha Creek
Location0.2 N JCT US 12
RouteState Highway 261
Coordinates46.51213, -117.97298
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic547 (2023)
Projected traffic497 by 2039
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$289,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 261 over Pataha Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 261 over Pataha Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 261 over Pataha Creek carry?

About 547 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SR 261 over Pataha Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m).

Who owns SR 261 over Pataha Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.