US Bridges

SR 21 over Kettle River

Fair

Ferry County, Washington · 18.3 N JCT SR 20 · Structure no. 0006282A0000000

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
205 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
770
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Kettle River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 21 over Kettle River in Ferry County, Washington. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 770 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 909 by 2039. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesKettle River
Location18.3 N JCT SR 20
RouteState Highway 21
CountyFerry County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.88113, -118.60387
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 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 rating76.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic770 (2023)
Projected traffic909 by 2039
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Kettle River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 21 over Kettle 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Kettle River carry?

About 770 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Kettle River?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 21 over Kettle River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.