US Bridges

SR 162 over S Prairie CR

Poor

Pierce County, Washington · 15.3 E JCT SR 410 · Structure no. 0005142A0000000

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,771
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 162 over S Prairie CR is a concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying SR 162 over S Prairie CR in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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.

It carries about 9,771 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,880 by 2039. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 162
CrossesS Prairie CR
Location15.3 E JCT SR 410
RouteState Highway 162
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.14039, -122.09278
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,771 (2023)
Projected traffic13,880 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$2.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 162 over S Prairie CR built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 162 over S Prairie CR 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 162 over S Prairie CR carry?

About 9,771 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 162 over S Prairie CR?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR 162 over S Prairie CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.