US Bridges

Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · 0.1 N I-5 Undercrossing · Structure no. 085121000000000

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
333 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
10,550
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 95 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.

It carries about 10,550 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,384 by 2040. The structure is 333 ft (101.5 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTacoma Avenue So
CrossesNprr &so Tacoma Way
Location0.1 N I-5 Undercrossing
RouteCity Street 3069
CountyPierce County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.23213, -122.44077
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length333 ft (101.5 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,550 (2023)
Projected traffic16,384 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$6.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way carry?

About 10,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way?

The structure is 333 ft (101.5 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Tacoma Avenue So over Nprr &so Tacoma Way?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.