US Bridges

SR 26 Spur over Palouse River

Poor

Whitman County, Washington · JCT US 195 · Structure no. 0002385B0000000

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,246
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 Spur over Palouse River is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 26 Spur over Palouse River in Whitman 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,246 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,553 by 2039. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesSR 26 Spur
CrossesPalouse River
LocationJCT US 195
RouteState Highway 26
CountyWhitman County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.89015, -117.36459
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,246 (2023)
Projected traffic3,553 by 2039
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$1.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 26 Spur over Palouse River built?

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

What condition is SR 26 Spur over Palouse River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 26 Spur over Palouse River carry?

About 3,246 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 Spur over Palouse River?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 26 Spur over Palouse River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.