US Bridges

Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · Pt Defiance-Tacoma · Structure no. 00X3158A0000000

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
108 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,330
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound is a steel movable - lift carrying Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 2,330 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,784 by 2036. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTacoma-Vashon Traf
CrossesPuget Sound
LocationPt Defiance-Tacoma
RouteState Highway 163
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.306, -122.51414
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating30 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,330 (2010)
Projected traffic3,784 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemNo

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)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound carry?

About 2,330 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Tacoma-Vashon Traf over Puget Sound?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.