US Bridges

SR 20 over Higgins Slough

Good

Skagit County, Washington · 1.2 E JCT SR 536 · Structure no. 0008453A0000000

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
74 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,588
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Higgins Slough is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 20 over Higgins Slough in Skagit County, Washington. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 14,588 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,487 by 2039. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSR 20
CrossesHiggins Slough
Location1.2 E JCT SR 536
RouteState Highway 20
Coordinates48.45136, -122.40825
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,588 (2023)
Projected traffic20,487 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkSTRAHNET connector

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$1.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Higgins Slough built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 20 over Higgins Slough in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Higgins Slough carry?

About 14,588 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Higgins Slough?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SR 20 over Higgins Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.