US Bridges

US 97 over Methow River

Fair

Okanogan County, Washington · 0.1 N JCT SR 153 · Structure no. 0007881A0000000

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
468 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,564
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 97 over Methow River is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying US 97 over Methow River in Okanogan County, Washington. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 5,564 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,845 by 2039. The structure is 468 ft (142.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 97
CrossesMethow River
Location0.1 N JCT SR 153
RouteU.S. Route 97
CountyOkanogan County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.04972, -119.90263
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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length468 ft (142.6 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,564 (2023)
Projected traffic6,845 by 2039
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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$8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 97 over Methow River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 97 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 97 over Methow River carry?

About 5,564 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 97 over Methow River?

The structure is 468 ft (142.6 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 97 over Methow River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.