US Bridges

Nelson Road over Independence Creek

Fair

Lewis County, Washington · 12.0 W Centralia · Structure no. 082800000000000

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
63 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
87
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson Road over Independence Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nelson Road over Independence Creek in Lewis County, Washington. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 87 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 158 by 2041. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNelson Road
CrossesIndependence Creek
Location12.0 W Centralia
RouteCounty Highway 10004
CountyLewis County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.77689, -123.18743
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic87 (2021)
Projected traffic158 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$688,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nelson Road over Independence Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nelson Road over Independence Creek 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Nelson Road over Independence Creek carry?

About 87 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Nelson Road over Independence Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Nelson Road over Independence Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.