US Bridges

Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay

Fair

San Juan County, Washington · Blind Bay-San Juan · Structure no. 0016576A0000000

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
308
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay is a steel movable - lift carrying Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay in San Juan County, Washington. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger 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 308 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 532 by 2036. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFerry Traffic
CrossesBlind Bay
LocationBlind Bay-San Juan
RouteState Highway 20
CountySan Juan County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.58448, -122.92981
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic308 (2010)
Projected traffic532 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollToll bridge
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$775,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay carry?

About 308 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Ferry Traffic over Blind Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.