US Bridges

Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal

Fair

King County, Washington · 3000 Fremont Ave N · Structure no. 085283000000000

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
317 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29,300
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal in King County, Washington. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 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 29,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,800 by 2040. The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFremont Ave N
CrossesShip Canal
Location3000 Fremont Ave N
RouteCity Street 1140
CountyKing County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.6475, -122.34972
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length317 ft (96.6 m)
Longest span242 ft (73.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,300 (2018)
Projected traffic42,800 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal carry?

About 29,300 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal?

The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long with a longest span of 242 ft (73.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Fremont Ave N over Ship Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.