US Bridges

47th Ave SW over I-5

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · 11.3 N Thurston CO · Structure no. 0005523C0000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
317 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,217
2002 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

47th Ave SW over I-5 is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying 47th Ave SW over I-5 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 3,217 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,420 by 2036. The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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Carries47th Ave SW
CrossesI-5
Location11.3 N Thurston CO
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.15058, -122.49918
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length317 ft (96.6 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,217 (2002)
Projected traffic4,420 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$4.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 47th Ave SW over I-5 built?

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

What condition is 47th Ave SW over I-5 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does 47th Ave SW over I-5 carry?

About 3,217 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 47th Ave SW over I-5?

The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns 47th Ave SW over I-5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.