US Bridges

I-5 over Portland Ave

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · 1.1 N JCT SR 7 · Structure no. 0006792B0000000

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
216 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
105,864
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 over Portland Ave is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-5 over Portland Ave in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 63 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 6 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 105,864 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 155,148 by 2039. The structure is 216 ft (65.8 m) long and 102 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-5
CrossesPortland Ave
Location1.1 N JCT SR 7
RouteInterstate 5
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.23922, -122.41103
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length216 ft (65.8 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width102 ft (31.2 m)
Roadway width97 ft (29.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105,864 (2023)
Projected traffic155,148 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$10.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 over Portland Ave built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is I-5 over Portland Ave 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 I-5 over Portland Ave carry?

About 105,864 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I-5 over Portland Ave?

The structure is 216 ft (65.8 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 102 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 over Portland Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.