US Bridges

SR 536 over Skagit River

Fair

Skagit County, Washington · 4.7 E JCT SR 20 · Structure no. 0004400A0000000

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel Continuous
Length
676 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,163
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 536 over Skagit River is a steel continuous movable - swing carrying SR 536 over Skagit River 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 19,163 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,618 by 2039. The structure is 676 ft (205.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 536
CrossesSkagit River
Location4.7 E JCT SR 20
RouteState Highway 536
CountySkagit County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.42167, -122.34133
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length676 ft (205.9 m)
Longest span157 ft (48 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,163 (2023)
Projected traffic28,618 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$9.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 536 over Skagit River built?

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

What condition is SR 536 over Skagit 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR 536 over Skagit River carry?

About 19,163 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 536 over Skagit River?

The structure is 676 ft (205.9 m) long with a longest span of 157 ft (48 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR 536 over Skagit River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.