US Bridges

SR 504 over Bear Creek

Fair

Cowlitz County, Washington · 14.3 E JCT SR 504 SP · Structure no. 0013533A0000000

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
495 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 504 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 504 over Bear Creek in Cowlitz County, Washington. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 647 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 887 by 2039. The structure is 495 ft (150.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 504
CrossesBear Creek
Location14.3 E JCT SR 504 SP
RouteState Highway 504
CountyCowlitz County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.30881, -122.35142
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length495 ft (150.9 m)
Longest span195 ft (59.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic647 (2023)
Projected traffic887 by 2039
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 504 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 504 over Bear 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 504 over Bear Creek carry?

About 647 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 504 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 495 ft (150.9 m) long with a longest span of 195 ft (59.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR 504 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.