US Bridges

US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia River

Fair

Wasco County, Oregon · East End of the Dalles · Structure no. 06635Q004 00000

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
3,345 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,795
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia River in Wasco County, Oregon. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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.

It carries about 6,795 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,700 by 2042. The structure is 3,345 ft (1,019.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 197 (hwy 004)
CrossesColumbia River
LocationEast End of the Dalles
RouteU.S. Route 197
CountyWasco County
StateOregon
Coordinates45.61047, -121.1395
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating22.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5 (+25 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length3,345 ft (1,019.6 m)
Longest span576 ft (175.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,795 (2022)
Projected traffic8,700 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$17.1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia River carry?

About 6,795 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia River?

The structure is 3,345 ft (1,019.6 m) long with a longest span of 576 ft (175.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 197 (hwy 004) over Columbia River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.