US Bridges

County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, Washington · 0.26 S Elbow 394 · Structure no. 082895000000000

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,356
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal in Franklin County, Washington. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 68 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,356 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,400 by 2042. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Arterial
CrossesWahluke Branch Canal
Location0.26 S Elbow 394
RouteCounty Highway 4000
CountyFranklin County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.68995, -119.17629
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating9.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,356 (2021)
Projected traffic4,400 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal carry?

About 2,356 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns County Arterial over Wahluke Branch Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.