US Bridges

I-5 over Toutle River

Fair

Cowlitz County, Washington · 2.1 N JCT SR 504 · Structure no. 0008335A0000000

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
309 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
22,866
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 over Toutle River is a steel arch - thru carrying I-5 over Toutle River in Cowlitz County, Washington. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 22,866 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,664 by 2039. The structure is 309 ft (94.2 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-5
CrossesToutle River
Location2.1 N JCT SR 504
RouteInterstate 5
CountyCowlitz County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.31047, -122.91364
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length309 ft (94.2 m)
Longest span304 ft (92.7 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.7 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck22 ft (6.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,866 (2023)
Projected traffic31,664 by 2039
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 over Toutle River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-5 over Toutle River 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 I-5 over Toutle River carry?

About 22,866 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I-5 over Toutle River?

The structure is 309 ft (94.2 m) long with a longest span of 304 ft (92.7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 over Toutle River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.