US Bridges

SR 9 over Skagit River

Poor

Skagit County, Washington · 4.7 N JCT SR 538 · Structure no. 0005773A0000000

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
972 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,660
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Skagit River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 9 over Skagit River in Skagit County, Washington. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 11,660 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,125 by 2039. The structure is 972 ft (296.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesSkagit River
Location4.7 N JCT SR 538
RouteState Highway 9
CountySkagit County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.48353, -122.243
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length972 ft (296.3 m)
Longest span300 ft (91.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,660 (2023)
Projected traffic16,125 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$19.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Skagit River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 over Skagit River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Skagit River carry?

About 11,660 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Skagit River?

The structure is 972 ft (296.3 m) long with a longest span of 300 ft (91.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over Skagit River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.