US Bridges

Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River

Good

Snohomish County, Washington · 9.0 SE Darrington · Structure no. 086521000000000

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
169 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River in Snohomish County, Washington. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 93.8 mi (151 km).

CarriesMountain Loop HWY
CrossesSauk River
Location9.0 SE Darrington
RouteCounty Highway 98960
Coordinates48.17172, -121.47313
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2021)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed93.8 mi (151 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$6.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Mountain Loop HWY over Sauk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.