US Bridges

Tower RD over Toutle River

Fair

Cowlitz County, Washington · 2.92 NE SR 504 (mp 2.00) · Structure no. 082717000000000

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
282 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tower RD over Toutle River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Tower RD over Toutle River in Cowlitz County, Washington. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 760 by 2039. The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTower RD
CrossesToutle River
Location2.92 NE SR 504 (mp 2.00)
RouteCounty Highway 51200
CountyCowlitz County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.33444, -122.84056
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length282 ft (86 m)
Longest span161 ft (49.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2018)
Projected traffic760 by 2039
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$670,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Tower RD over Toutle River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tower RD 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 Tower RD over Toutle River carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Tower RD over Toutle River?

The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long with a longest span of 161 ft (49.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Tower RD over Toutle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.