US Bridges

Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone Creek

Fair

Columbia County, Washington · 3.2 W JCT 9209 · Structure no. 084040000000000

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
75
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone Creek in Columbia County, Washington. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 6 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 75 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 125 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesLower Whetstone RD
CrossesWhetstone Creek
Location3.2 W JCT 9209
RouteCounty Highway 20100
CountyColumbia County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.31253, -118.23208
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2020)
Projected traffic125 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$418,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone 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 Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Lower Whetstone RD over Whetstone Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.