US Bridges

US 12 over Gulch

Fair

Lewis County, Washington · 6.2 E JCT SR 123 · Structure no. 0003636A0000000

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
221 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,774
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Gulch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 over Gulch in Lewis 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 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 1,774 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,047 by 2039. The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 12
CrossesGulch
Location6.2 E JCT SR 123
RouteU.S. Route 12
CountyLewis County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.66277, -121.48089
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionAugust 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length221 ft (67.4 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,774 (2023)
Projected traffic2,047 by 2039
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$3.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 12 over Gulch built?

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

What condition is US 12 over Gulch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 12 over Gulch carry?

About 1,774 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Gulch?

The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.