US Bridges

SR 26 over Union Flat Creek

Good

Whitman County, Washington · 8.1 E JCT SR 127 · Structure no. 0002385A0000000

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
190 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,316
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over Union Flat Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 26 over Union Flat Creek in Whitman County, Washington. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1989, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,316 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,259 by 2039. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesSR 26
CrossesUnion Flat Creek
Location8.1 E JCT SR 127
RouteState Highway 26
Coordinates46.83244, -117.51036
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,316 (2023)
Projected traffic3,259 by 2039
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 26 over Union Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is SR 26 over Union Flat Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 26 over Union Flat Creek carry?

About 2,316 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over Union Flat Creek?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR 26 over Union Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.