US Bridges

SR 131 over Cowlitz River

Fair

Lewis County, Washington · 1.8 N JCT Natl Forest Bd · Structure no. 082148000000000

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
435 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,109
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 131 over Cowlitz River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 131 over Cowlitz River in Lewis County, Washington. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1966, 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 5 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 1,109 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,393 by 2039. The structure is 435 ft (132.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 131
CrossesCowlitz River
Location1.8 N JCT Natl Forest Bd
RouteState Highway 131
CountyLewis County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.5318, -121.95692
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+11 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length435 ft (132.6 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,109 (2023)
Projected traffic1,393 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$5.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 131 over Cowlitz River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SR 131 over Cowlitz River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 131 over Cowlitz River carry?

About 1,109 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 131 over Cowlitz River?

The structure is 435 ft (132.6 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR 131 over Cowlitz River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.