US Bridges

US 12 over Cowlitz River

Good

Lewis County, Washington · 1.8 E JCT SR 122 · Structure no. 0006542A0000000

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,070 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,690
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Cowlitz River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 over Cowlitz River in Lewis County, Washington. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,690 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,521 by 2039. The structure is 1,070 ft (326.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesUS 12
CrossesCowlitz River
Location1.8 E JCT SR 122
RouteU.S. Route 12
Coordinates46.51544, -122.56781
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,070 ft (326.1 m)
Longest span185 ft (56.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,690 (2023)
Projected traffic8,521 by 2039
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$20.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 12 over Cowlitz River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 12 over Cowlitz River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does US 12 over Cowlitz River carry?

About 6,690 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Cowlitz River?

The structure is 1,070 ft (326.1 m) long with a longest span of 185 ft (56.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Cowlitz River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.