US Bridges

State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR

PoorClosed to traffic

Pierce County, Washington · 2.5 N JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0006069A0000000

Built
1911
114 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2019
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
572 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR is a steel truss - thru carrying State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1911, so it is 114 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 3 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 2,400 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,400 by 2041. The structure is 572 ft (174.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesState Route 509
CrossesPuyallup Waterway RR
Location2.5 N JCT I-5
RouteCity Street 50950
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.26056, -122.41972
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.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2019
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length572 ft (174.3 m)
Longest span161 ft (49.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2019)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$21 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR built?

It was built in 1911, making it 114 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR 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 December 2019.

How much traffic does State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR?

The structure is 572 ft (174.3 m) long with a longest span of 161 ft (49.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 509 over Puyallup Waterway RR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.