US Bridges

W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W

Fair

King County, Washington · W Emerson ST /15th Ave W · Structure no. 085197000000000

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
692 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,000
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W in King County, Washington. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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.

It carries about 17,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,000 by 2040. The structure is 692 ft (210.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesW Emerson ST
Crosses15th Ave W
LocationW Emerson ST /15th Ave W
RouteCity Street 1140
CountyKing County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.65306, -122.37639
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+16 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length692 ft (210.9 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,000 (2020)
Projected traffic21,000 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$13.8 million (2041 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W carry?

About 17,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W?

The structure is 692 ft (210.9 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns W Emerson ST over 15th Ave W?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.