US Bridges

5th Ave over Capitol Lake

Fair

Thurston County, Washington · 1.2 N I-5 · Structure no. 087387000000000

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,640
2001 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

5th Ave over Capitol Lake is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying 5th Ave over Capitol Lake in Thurston County, Washington. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 77 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 19,640 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,138 by 2036. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries5th Ave
CrossesCapitol Lake
Location1.2 N I-5
RouteCity Street 5311
CountyThurston County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.04342, -122.90933
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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,640 (2001)
Projected traffic36,138 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 5th Ave over Capitol Lake built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is 5th Ave over Capitol Lake 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 5th Ave over Capitol Lake carry?

About 19,640 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 5th Ave over Capitol Lake?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns 5th Ave over Capitol Lake?

It is owned by the Other State Agency and maintained by the State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency.