US Bridges

Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard

Fair

King County, Washington · 5200 Airport Way S · Structure no. 085358000000000

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
956 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
17,500
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard in King County, Washington. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 97 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 17,500 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,000 by 2045. The structure is 956 ft (291.4 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesAirport Way S
CrossesArgo RR Yard
Location5200 Airport Way S
RouteCity Street 1140
CountyKing County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.55528, -122.32222
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans13 (+3 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length956 ft (291.4 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,500 (2021)
Projected traffic23,000 by 2045
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$16.8 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard carry?

About 17,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard?

The structure is 956 ft (291.4 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns Airport Way S over Argo RR Yard?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.