US Bridges

SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse River

FairPosted for load

Whitman County, Washington · 2.53 MI NE SR 195 · Structure no. 084549000000000

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
62
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse River is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse River in Whitman County, Washington. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 62 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 63 by 2039. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSHAWNEE/5250
CrossesSouth Fork Palouse River
Location2.53 MI NE SR 195
RouteCounty Highway 52500
CountyWhitman County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.82708, -117.27483
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62 (2020)
Projected traffic63 by 2039
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse River carry?

About 62 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse River?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SHAWNEE/5250 over South Fork Palouse River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.