US Bridges

W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley

Fair

King County, Washington · 1500 W Emerson ST · Structure no. 085193000000000

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
668 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
19,800
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley in King County, Washington. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 19,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,000 by 2044. The structure is 668 ft (203.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW Emerson ST
CrossesRR Tracks Alley
Location1500 W Emerson ST
RouteCity Street 1140
CountyKing County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.65389, -122.3775
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length668 ft (203.6 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,800 (2020)
Projected traffic25,000 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2030 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley carry?

About 19,800 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley?

The structure is 668 ft (203.6 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns W Emerson ST over RR Tracks Alley?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.