US Bridges

SR 153 over Methow River

Fair

Okanogan County, Washington · 16.9 N JCT US 97 · Structure no. 0003507A0000000

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1949
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
454 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,578
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 153 over Methow River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 153 over Methow River in Okanogan County, Washington. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1949, so it is 86 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 5 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 1,578 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,607 by 2039. The structure is 454 ft (138.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 153
CrossesMethow River
Location16.9 N JCT US 97
RouteState Highway 153
CountyOkanogan County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.18148, -120.09358
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 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 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 rating27.1 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length454 ft (138.4 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,578 (2023)
Projected traffic1,607 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 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$6.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 153 over Methow River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1949.

What condition is SR 153 over Methow 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR 153 over Methow River carry?

About 1,578 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 153 over Methow River?

The structure is 454 ft (138.4 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 153 over Methow River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.