US Bridges

North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork

PoorPosted for load

Yakima County, Washington · 8.43 NW Ahtanum RD · Structure no. 082420000000000

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
235
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork in Yakima County, Washington. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 235 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 265 by 2041. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesNorth Fork Rd.
CrossesAhtanum Creek N. Fork
Location8.43 NW Ahtanum RD
RouteCounty Highway 30000
Coordinates46.52833, -121
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.4 US tons
Inventory rating12.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2021)
Projected traffic265 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$1.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns North Fork Rd. over Ahtanum Creek N. Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.