US Bridges

Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day River

Fair

Wasco County, Oregon · 23.1 MI East of Shaniko · Structure no. 09691 291 02307

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
471 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
171
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day River is a steel arch - thru carrying Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day River in Wasco County, Oregon. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 171 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 190 by 2042. The structure is 471 ft (143.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOr 218 (hwy 291)
CrossesJohn Day River
Location23.1 MI East of Shaniko
RouteState Highway 30
CountyWasco County
StateOregon
Coordinates44.9156, -120.47
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length471 ft (143.6 m)
Longest span270 ft (82.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic171 (2022)
Projected traffic190 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day River built?

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

What condition is Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day River carry?

About 171 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day River?

The structure is 471 ft (143.6 m) long with a longest span of 270 ft (82.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Or 218 (hwy 291) over John Day River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.