US Bridges

Kelso DR over Coweeman R

Good

Cowlitz County, Washington · 0.6 S. of Allen St. · Structure no. 0003093A0000000

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
488 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,500
2010 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kelso DR over Coweeman R is a steel truss - thru carrying Kelso DR over Coweeman R in Cowlitz County, Washington. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,650 by 2030. The structure is 488 ft (148.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesKelso DR
CrossesCoweeman R
Location0.6 S. of Allen St.
RouteCity Street 500
Coordinates46.13776, -122.89739
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating22.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length488 ft (148.7 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2010)
Projected traffic1,650 by 2030
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$18 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Kelso DR over Coweeman R built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Kelso DR over Coweeman R 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Kelso DR over Coweeman R carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Kelso DR over Coweeman R?

The structure is 488 ft (148.7 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Kelso DR over Coweeman R?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.