US Bridges

Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek

FairPosted for load

Pierce County, Washington · 6.1 SE JCT SR 165 · Structure no. 080353000000000

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
165 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
300
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2042. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesFairfax Forest RD
CrossesTolmie Creek
Location6.1 SE JCT SR 165
RouteCounty Highway 97350
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.98639, -121.94694
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2020)
Projected traffic500 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Fairfax Forest RD over Tolmie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.