US Bridges

SR 397 over Columbia River

Fair

Benton County, Washington · 18.0 N JCT I-82 · Structure no. 085555000000000

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stayed Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
2,503 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,651
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 397 over Columbia River is a prestressed concrete continuous stayed girder carrying SR 397 over Columbia River in Benton County, Washington. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 5 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 9,651 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,021 by 2039. The structure is 2,503 ft (762.9 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 397
CrossesColumbia River
Location18.0 N JCT I-82
RouteState Highway 397
CountyBenton County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.21463, -119.10676
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStayed Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length2,503 ft (762.9 m)
Longest span981 ft (299 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,651 (2023)
Projected traffic12,021 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$79.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 397 over Columbia River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 397 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR 397 over Columbia River carry?

About 9,651 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 397 over Columbia River?

The structure is 2,503 ft (762.9 m) long with a longest span of 981 ft (299 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns SR 397 over Columbia River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.