US Bridges

US 97ALT over Chelan River

Good

Chelan County, Washington · 3.5 N JCT SR 971 End · Structure no. 0010859A0000000

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
540 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,454
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 97ALT over Chelan River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 97ALT over Chelan River in Chelan 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,454 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,660 by 2039. The structure is 540 ft (164.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 97ALT
CrossesChelan River
Location3.5 N JCT SR 971 End
RouteU.S. Route 97
Coordinates47.83575, -120.0175
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length540 ft (164.6 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,454 (2023)
Projected traffic6,660 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$9.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 97ALT over Chelan River built?

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

What condition is US 97ALT over Chelan River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US 97ALT over Chelan River carry?

About 7,454 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 97ALT over Chelan River?

The structure is 540 ft (164.6 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 97ALT over Chelan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.