US Bridges

Spencer Road over Blue Creek

Fair

Lewis County, Washington · 5.5 SW Salkum · Structure no. 084119000000000

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
363
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Spencer Road over Blue Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Spencer Road over Blue Creek in Lewis County, Washington. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 67 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 363 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 656 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSpencer Road
CrossesBlue Creek
Location5.5 SW Salkum
RouteCounty Highway 57061
CountyLewis County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.4927, -122.72485
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic363 (2022)
Projected traffic656 by 2042
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$365,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spencer Road over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is Spencer Road over Blue 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Spencer Road over Blue Creek carry?

About 363 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is Spencer Road over Blue Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Spencer Road over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.