US Bridges

South Tacoma Way over Ramp

Good

Pierce County, Washington · 12.5 N Thurston CO · Structure no. 0009574A0000000

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,105
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Tacoma Way over Ramp is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying South Tacoma Way over Ramp in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 17,105 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,158 by 2041. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSouth Tacoma Way
CrossesRamp
Location12.5 N Thurston CO
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates47.16004, -122.48357
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,105 (2021)
Projected traffic19,158 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
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$1.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was South Tacoma Way over Ramp built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is South Tacoma Way over Ramp in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2021.

How much traffic does South Tacoma Way over Ramp carry?

About 17,105 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is South Tacoma Way over Ramp?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns South Tacoma Way over Ramp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.