US Bridges

SR 397 over BNSF RR

Fair

Benton County, Washington · 16.5 N JCT I-82 · Structure no. 085664000000000

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
263 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,820
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 397 over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 397 over BNSF RR in Benton County, Washington. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 60 years old, older 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 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 11,820 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,004 by 2039. The structure is 263 ft (80.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 397
CrossesBNSF RR
Location16.5 N JCT I-82
RouteState Highway 397
CountyBenton County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.19856, -119.09094
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length263 ft (80.3 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,820 (2023)
Projected traffic15,004 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 397 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is SR 397 over BNSF RR 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 397 over BNSF RR carry?

About 11,820 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 397 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 263 ft (80.3 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR 397 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.