US Bridges

Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad

FairPosted for load

Pierce County, Washington · 2.5 E JCT SR 161 · Structure no. 083151000000000

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
276 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad is a concrete slab carrying Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,800 by 2040. The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAlder Cutoff RD E
CrossesTacoma Eastern Railroad
Location2.5 E JCT SR 161
RouteCounty Highway 97110
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.85056, -122.27083
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadH 15
Structure length276 ft (84.1 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2019)
Projected traffic4,800 by 2040
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$8.7 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad?

The structure is 276 ft (84.1 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Alder Cutoff RD E over Tacoma Eastern Railroad?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.