US Bridges

US 101 over Chehalis River

Poor

Grays Harbor County, Washington · 0.2 N JCT SR 105 · Structure no. 0004386A0000000

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
2,638 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26,216
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 101 over Chehalis River is a steel movable - bascule carrying US 101 over Chehalis River in Grays Harbor County, Washington. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 4 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 26,216 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,924 by 2039. The structure is 2,638 ft (804.1 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesUS 101
CrossesChehalis River
Location0.2 N JCT SR 105
RouteU.S. Route 101
Coordinates46.97072, -123.80556
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+24 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,638 ft (804.1 m)
Longest span340 ft (103.6 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.4 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,216 (2023)
Projected traffic31,924 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$62.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 101 over Chehalis River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 101 over Chehalis 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 101 over Chehalis River carry?

About 26,216 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 101 over Chehalis River?

The structure is 2,638 ft (804.1 m) long with a longest span of 340 ft (103.6 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US 101 over Chehalis River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.