US Bridges

SR 4 over Abernathy Creek

Fair

Cowlitz County, Washington · 2.5 E Wahkiakum CO · Structure no. 0001334A0000000

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,787
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 4 over Abernathy Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 4 over Abernathy Creek in Cowlitz County, Washington. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 4,787 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,340 by 2039. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 4
CrossesAbernathy Creek
Location2.5 E Wahkiakum CO
RouteState Highway 4
CountyCowlitz County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.19108, -123.168
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,787 (2023)
Projected traffic6,340 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 4 over Abernathy Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 4 over Abernathy 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 4 over Abernathy Creek carry?

About 4,787 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 4 over Abernathy Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 4 over Abernathy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.