US Bridges

US 97 over BNSF RR

Good

Klickitat County, Washington · 0.6 N Oregon · Structure no. 0006774A0000000

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
226 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,122
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 97 over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 97 over BNSF RR in Klickitat County, Washington. It was built in 1962, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,122 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,448 by 2039. The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 97
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.6 N Oregon
RouteU.S. Route 97
CountyKlickitat County
StateWashington
Coordinates45.68421, -120.82985
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.4 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length226 ft (68.9 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,122 (2023)
Projected traffic6,448 by 2039
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 97 over BNSF RR built?

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

What condition is US 97 over BNSF RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does US 97 over BNSF RR carry?

About 6,122 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is US 97 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 97 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.