US Bridges

US 97 over Columbia River

Poor

Douglas County, Washington · 21.4 N JCT US 97 Spur · Structure no. 0006835A0000000

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,227 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,821
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 97 over Columbia River is a steel continuous arch - thru carrying US 97 over Columbia River in Douglas County, Washington. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,821 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,015 by 2039. The structure is 1,227 ft (374 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 83.3 mi (134 km).

CarriesUS 97
CrossesColumbia River
Location21.4 N JCT US 97 Spur
RouteU.S. Route 97
Coordinates47.81291, -119.97194
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,227 ft (374 m)
Longest span520 ft (158.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,821 (2023)
Projected traffic7,015 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed83.3 mi (134 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$19.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 97 over Columbia River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 97 over Columbia River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does US 97 over Columbia River carry?

About 5,821 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 97 over Columbia River?

The structure is 1,227 ft (374 m) long with a longest span of 520 ft (158.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 97 over Columbia River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.