US Bridges

SR 271 over Box Creek

Good

Whitman County, Washington · 4.7 N JCT SR 27 · Structure no. 0006426B0000000

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
989
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 271 over Box Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 271 over Box Creek in Whitman County, Washington. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 989 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 924 by 2039. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSR 271
CrossesBox Creek
Location4.7 N JCT SR 27
RouteState Highway 271
Coordinates47.18408, -117.29906
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic989 (2023)
Projected traffic924 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$399,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 271 over Box Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 271 over Box 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 271 over Box Creek carry?

About 989 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 271 over Box Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 271 over Box Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.