US Bridges

SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend

Poor

Jefferson County, Washington · 12.9 E JCT US 101 · Structure no. 0012274B0000000

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
63
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend is a steel movable - lift carrying SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend in Jefferson County, Washington. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1982, 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 63 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 111 by 2036. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 20
CrossesPuget Snd @ Pt Townsend
Location12.9 E JCT US 101
RouteState Highway 20
CountyJefferson County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.11122, -122.75958
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic63 (2010)
Projected traffic111 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

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$598,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend carry?

About 63 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR 20 over Puget Snd @ Pt Townsend?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.