US Bridges

US 97 over Columbia River

Fair

Klickitat County, Washington · Oregon Line · Structure no. 0006539A0000000

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
2,567 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,212
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 97 over Columbia River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 97 over Columbia River in Klickitat County, Washington. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 63 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 6,212 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,720 by 2039. The structure is 2,567 ft (782.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 97
CrossesColumbia River
LocationOregon Line
RouteU.S. Route 97
CountyKlickitat County
StateWashington
Coordinates45.67247, -120.83486
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
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+12 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,567 ft (782.4 m)
Longest span340 ft (103.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,212 (2023)
Projected traffic6,720 by 2039
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$36.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 97 over Columbia River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is US 97 over Columbia 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 97 over Columbia River carry?

About 6,212 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is US 97 over Columbia River?

The structure is 2,567 ft (782.4 m) long with a longest span of 340 ft (103.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 97 over Columbia River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.