US Bridges

SR 161 over South Creek

Good

Pierce County, Washington · 12.8 N Jcy SR 7 · Structure no. 0018869A0000000

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,304
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 161 over South Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 161 over South Creek in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,304 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,442 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSR 161
CrossesSouth Creek
Location12.8 N Jcy SR 7
RouteState Highway 161
Coordinates46.97557, -122.29788
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,304 (2023)
Projected traffic11,442 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$383,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 161 over South Creek built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 161 over South Creek 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 September 2021.

How much traffic does SR 161 over South Creek carry?

About 8,304 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 161 over South Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 161 over South Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.