US Bridges

US 101 over Big Quilcene River

Poor

Jefferson County, Washington · 11.5 S JCT SR 104 · Structure no. 0002060A0000000

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
244 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,525
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 101 over Big Quilcene River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 101 over Big Quilcene River in Jefferson County, Washington. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 3,525 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,474 by 2039. The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS 101
CrossesBig Quilcene River
Location11.5 S JCT SR 104
RouteU.S. Route 101
Coordinates47.81076, -122.91063
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length244 ft (74.4 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,525 (2023)
Projected traffic4,474 by 2039
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$3.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 101 over Big Quilcene River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 101 over Big Quilcene 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 101 over Big Quilcene River carry?

About 3,525 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 101 over Big Quilcene River?

The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US 101 over Big Quilcene River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.