US Bridges

SR 97 over Wapato Canal

Fair

Yakima County, Washington · 12.8 N JCT SR 22 · Structure no. 0003363E0000000

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
105 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,427
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 97 over Wapato Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 97 over Wapato Canal in Yakima County, Washington. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 6 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 8,427 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,038 by 2039. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 97
CrossesWapato Canal
Location12.8 N JCT SR 22
RouteU.S. Route 97
CountyYakima County
StateWashington
Coordinates46.51386, -120.47673
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,427 (2023)
Projected traffic12,038 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 97 over Wapato Canal built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 97 over Wapato Canal 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 97 over Wapato Canal carry?

About 8,427 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 97 over Wapato Canal?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SR 97 over Wapato Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.