US Bridges

Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River

FairPosted for load

Thurston County, Washington · 4.7 N JCT SR 121 · Structure no. 0004950A0000000

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
530 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,308
2002 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River in Thurston County, Washington. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1990, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 14,308 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,983 by 2036. The structure is 530 ft (161.5 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCuster Way
CrossesI-5 Deschutes River
Location4.7 N JCT SR 121
RouteCity Street 0
CountyThurston County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.01647, -122.90647
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating11.8 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length530 ft (161.5 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,308 (2002)
Projected traffic25,983 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$10.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River carry?

About 14,308 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River?

The structure is 530 ft (161.5 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Custer Way over I-5 Deschutes River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.