US Bridges

SR 278 over North Fork Rock Creek

Fair

Spokane County, Washington · 2.7 E JCT SR 27 · Structure no. 084640000000000

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
85 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,518
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 278 over North Fork Rock Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 278 over North Fork Rock Creek in Spokane County, Washington. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 2,518 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,129 by 2039. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 278
CrossesNorth Fork Rock Creek
Location2.7 E JCT SR 27
RouteState Highway 278
CountySpokane County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.43842, -117.09357
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 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$1.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 278 over North Fork Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 278 over North Fork 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 278 over North Fork Rock Creek carry?

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

How long is SR 278 over North Fork Rock Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 278 over North Fork Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.