US Bridges

US 97 over Little Klickitat River

Fair

Klickitat County, Washington · 1.3 N JCT SR 142 · Structure no. 0005217A0000000

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,532
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 97 over Little Klickitat River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US 97 over Little Klickitat River in Klickitat County, Washington. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 5,532 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,619 by 2039. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 97
CrossesLittle Klickitat River
Location1.3 N JCT SR 142
RouteU.S. Route 97
CountyKlickitat County
StateWashington
Coordinates45.84389, -120.79636
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,532 (2023)
Projected traffic6,619 by 2039
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
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$2.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 97 over Little Klickitat River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 97 over Little Klickitat 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 97 over Little Klickitat River carry?

About 5,532 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 97 over Little Klickitat River?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 97 over Little Klickitat River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.