US Bridges

SR 4 over Germany Creek

Good

Cowlitz County, Washington · 4.6 E Wahkiakum CO · Structure no. 0011701A0000000

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,787
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 4 over Germany Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 4 over Germany Creek in Cowlitz County, Washington. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 4,787 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,340 by 2039. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSR 4
CrossesGermany Creek
Location4.6 E Wahkiakum CO
RouteState Highway 4
Coordinates46.18986, -123.12547
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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 closed98.8 mi (159 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$2.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 4 over Germany Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 4 over Germany 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 4 over Germany Creek carry?

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

How long is SR 4 over Germany Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 4 over Germany Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.