US Bridges

SR 509 over Dry Gulch

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · 9.7 N JCT I-705 · Structure no. 0005358A0000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
237 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,730
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 509 over Dry Gulch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 509 over Dry Gulch in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 2,730 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,010 by 2039. The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 509
CrossesDry Gulch
Location9.7 N JCT I-705
RouteState Highway 509
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.308, -122.43225
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+11 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length237 ft (72.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,730 (2023)
Projected traffic4,010 by 2039
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$3.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 509 over Dry Gulch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 509 over Dry Gulch 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR 509 over Dry Gulch carry?

About 2,730 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 509 over Dry Gulch?

The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SR 509 over Dry Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.