US Bridges

HWY 3 over Willamette River

FairPosted for load

Clackamas County, Oregon · 0.1 MI N of Main ST (o C) · Structure no. 00357 003 01143

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
765 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 3 over Willamette River is a steel arch - thru carrying HWY 3 over Willamette River in Clackamas County, Oregon. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 years old, older than the Oregon average of 49.9 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 14,550 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,900 by 2042. The structure is 765 ft (233.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY 3
CrossesWillamette River
Location0.1 MI N of Main ST (o C)
RouteState Highway 43
CountyClackamas County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.35896, -122.60959
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating19.6 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+10 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length765 ft (233.2 m)
Longest span340 ft (103.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,550 (2022)
Projected traffic17,900 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.2 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 3 over Willamette River built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 3 over Willamette 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 HWY 3 over Willamette River carry?

About 14,550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is HWY 3 over Willamette River?

The structure is 765 ft (233.2 m) long with a longest span of 340 ft (103.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 3 over Willamette River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.