US Bridges

SR 26 over Alkali Flat Creek

Fair

Whitman County, Washington · 0.3 E JCT SR 127 · Structure no. 0009123A0000000

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
117 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,181
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over Alkali Flat Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 26 over Alkali Flat Creek in Whitman County, Washington. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 2,181 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,137 by 2039. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 26
CrossesAlkali Flat Creek
Location0.3 E JCT SR 127
RouteState Highway 26
CountyWhitman County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.80895, -117.64925
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,181 (2023)
Projected traffic3,137 by 2039
Trucks24%
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$2.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 26 over Alkali Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 26 over Alkali Flat Creek 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 March 2023.

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

About 2,181 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over Alkali Flat Creek?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 26 over Alkali Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.