US Bridges

So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River

PoorPosted for load

Pacific County, Washington · 12.6 N JCT 4 & 101 · Structure no. 081014000000000

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
67 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
39
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River in Pacific County, Washington. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 39 vehicles a day, projected to reach 58 by 2043. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSo Bend-Palix Road
CrossesNiawiakum River
Location12.6 N JCT 4 & 101
RouteCounty Highway 41940
CountyPacific County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.61303, -123.90003
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (2023)
Projected traffic58 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns So Bend-Palix Road over Niawiakum River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.