US Bridges

SR 278 over Rock Creek

FairPosted for load

Spokane County, Washington · 2.2 E JCT SR 27 · Structure no. 084632000000000

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,518
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 278 over Rock Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 278 over Rock Creek in Spokane County, Washington. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 2,518 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,129 by 2039. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 278
CrossesRock Creek
Location2.2 E JCT SR 27
RouteState Highway 278
CountySpokane County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.44086, -117.10458
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20.4 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,518 (2023)
Projected traffic4,129 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 278 over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 278 over Rock 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 278 over Rock Creek carry?

About 2,518 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 278 over Rock Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 278 over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.