US Bridges

I-90 over Cle Elum River

Fair

Kittitas County, Washington · 26.0 E JCT SR 906 · Structure no. 0003527A0000000

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
297 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,089
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-90 over Cle Elum River is a steel truss - thru carrying I-90 over Cle Elum River in Kittitas County, Washington. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 17,089 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,190 by 2039. The structure is 297 ft (90.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-90
CrossesCle Elum River
Location26.0 E JCT SR 906
RouteInterstate 90
CountyKittitas County
StateWashington
Coordinates47.1845, -121.00489
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length297 ft (90.5 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,089 (2023)
Projected traffic21,190 by 2039
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$7.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-90 over Cle Elum River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-90 over Cle Elum River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does I-90 over Cle Elum River carry?

About 17,089 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-90 over Cle Elum River?

The structure is 297 ft (90.5 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns I-90 over Cle Elum River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.