US Bridges

SR 20 over Gulch

Fair

Skagit County, Washington · 27.3 E JCT SR 9 · Structure no. 0004342A0000000

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
135 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,998
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Gulch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 20 over Gulch in Skagit County, Washington. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 2,998 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,330 by 2039. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 20
CrossesGulch
Location27.3 E JCT SR 9
RouteState Highway 20
CountySkagit County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.51433, -121.67328
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.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,998 (2023)
Projected traffic4,330 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$2.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Gulch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 20 over Gulch 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Gulch carry?

About 2,998 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Gulch?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 20 over Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.