US Bridges

SR 505 over Cowlitz River

Good

Lewis County, Washington · 3.8 E JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0014229A0000000

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
751 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,938
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 505 over Cowlitz River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 505 over Cowlitz River in Lewis County, Washington. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 3,938 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,975 by 2039. The structure is 751 ft (228.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesSR 505
CrossesCowlitz River
Location3.8 E JCT I-5
RouteState Highway 505
Coordinates46.43818, -122.84227
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length751 ft (228.9 m)
Longest span187 ft (57 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,938 (2023)
Projected traffic4,975 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$12.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 505 over Cowlitz River built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 505 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 SR 505 over Cowlitz River carry?

About 3,938 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 505 over Cowlitz River?

The structure is 751 ft (228.9 m) long with a longest span of 187 ft (57 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SR 505 over Cowlitz River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.