US Bridges

SR 4 over Grays River

Fair

Wahkiakum County, Washington · 14.6 E JCT SR 401 · Structure no. 0002331A0000000

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
331 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,152
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 4 over Grays River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 4 over Grays River in Wahkiakum County, Washington. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 1,152 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,452 by 2039. The structure is 331 ft (101 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 4
CrossesGrays River
Location14.6 E JCT SR 401
RouteState Highway 4
CountyWahkiakum County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.35925, -123.56708
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length331 ft (101 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,152 (2023)
Projected traffic1,452 by 2039
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$4.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 4 over Grays River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 4 over Grays 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 4 over Grays River carry?

About 1,152 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 4 over Grays River?

The structure is 331 ft (101 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 4 over Grays River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.