US Bridges

Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah

FairPosted for load

King County, Washington · So. End Vashon Is · Structure no. 00X3158B0000000

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
108 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,106
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah is a steel movable - lift carrying Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah in King County, Washington. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,106 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,548 by 2033. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFerry Traffic
CrossesPuget Sound @ Tahlequah
LocationSo. End Vashon Is
RouteState Highway 163
CountyKing County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.33225, -122.50767
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating30 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,106 (2013)
Projected traffic1,548 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemNo

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$872,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah carry?

About 1,106 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Ferry Traffic over Puget Sound @ Tahlequah?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.