US Bridges

US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R

Poor

Lewis County, Washington · 23.1 E JCT SR 131 · Structure no. 0009138A0000000

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
415 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,452
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R in Lewis County, Washington. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,452 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,789 by 2039. The structure is 415 ft (126.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

CarriesUS 12
CrossesClear Fk of Cowlitz R
Location23.1 E JCT SR 131
RouteU.S. Route 12
Coordinates46.67817, -121.57581
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length415 ft (126.5 m)
Longest span156 ft (47.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,452 (2023)
Projected traffic2,789 by 2039
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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$9.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R carry?

About 2,452 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R?

The structure is 415 ft (126.5 m) long with a longest span of 156 ft (47.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 12 over Clear Fk of Cowlitz R?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.