US Bridges

E 38th Steet over SR 7

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · 4.8 N JCT SR 512 · Structure no. 0008006A0000000

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
512 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
21,545
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

E 38th Steet over SR 7 is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying E 38th Steet over SR 7 in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 21,545 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,184 by 2039. The structure is 512 ft (156.1 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesE 38th Steet
CrossesSR 7
Location4.8 N JCT SR 512
RouteState Highway 7
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.22311, -122.42714
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length512 ft (156.1 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.5 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,545 (2023)
Projected traffic32,184 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$14.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was E 38th Steet over SR 7 built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is E 38th Steet over SR 7 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does E 38th Steet over SR 7 carry?

About 21,545 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is E 38th Steet over SR 7?

The structure is 512 ft (156.1 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns E 38th Steet over SR 7?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.