US Bridges

SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R

Good

Okanogan County, Washington · 37.7 E Chelan CO · Structure no. 0003081B0000000

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,775
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R in Okanogan County, Washington. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 4,775 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,820 by 2039. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

CarriesSR 20
CrossesH W Channel Methow R
Location37.7 E Chelan CO
RouteState Highway 20
Coordinates48.38215, -120.13167
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.8 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,775 (2023)
Projected traffic5,820 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$841,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R 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 SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R carry?

About 4,775 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 20 over H W Channel Methow R?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.