US Bridges

Union Avenue South over Nprr &south Tacoma Way

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · 0.9 E JCT I-5&38th · Structure no. 085284000000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,235 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
19,265
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Avenue South over Nprr &south Tacoma Way is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Union Avenue South over Nprr &south Tacoma Way in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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.

It carries about 19,265 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,677 by 2044. The structure is 1,235 ft (376.4 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUnion Avenue South
CrossesNprr &south Tacoma Way
Location0.9 E JCT I-5&38th
RouteCity Street 2983
Coordinates47.22471, -122.4828
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,235 ft (376.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,265 (2022)
Projected traffic34,677 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$34 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Union Avenue South over Nprr &south Tacoma Way built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union Avenue South over Nprr &south 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Union Avenue South over Nprr &south Tacoma Way carry?

About 19,265 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Union Avenue South over Nprr &south Tacoma Way?

The structure is 1,235 ft (376.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Union Avenue South over Nprr &south Tacoma Way?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.