Project overview
This project replaced the aging and failing US 97 Satus Creek Bridge with a new concrete bridge structure that meets current standards, improving safety and mobility for all travelers.
What to expect
During construction, travelers were shifted onto a temporary bypass bridge structure, which was built alongside the existing US 97 - Satus Creek Bridge. This temporary bridge structure kept traffic moving during construction and reduced delays.
The new concrete bridge structure benefits all travelers by improving safety and mobility, ensuring the vital connection along US 97 remains intact.
Needs & benefits
Built in 1959, the US 97 - Satus Creek Bridge has served the community for more than 60 years. The bridge has been deemed structurally deficient and has reached the end of its useful life due weather, wear and tear from the traveling public and damage caused by the scouring effects of Satus Creek to the bridge piers over the last several years.
As a result, in summer 2020, WSDOT's contractor, Cascade Bridge, LLC, began work to replace the existing two-lane concrete slab bridge located within the Yakama Nation Reservation between Indian Service Road and Wilson Charley Road (mileposts 30.72 - 30.96) in Klickitat County.
This bridge is a vital connector along this stretch of highway, seeing approximately 3,900 vehicles daily, including freight vehicles. Due to the structural deficiency of the original bridge, a weight restriction had been in place, limiting the weight of vehicles crossing to no more than 20,000 lbs. per axle. This restriction severely limited many freight vehicles from crossing the bridge and forced them to use an alternate route, which often slowed traffic and delivery caused delays.
To mitigate these delays, improve safety and to ensure the transport of goods and services, this project replaced the aging and failing bridge with a new concrete structure that meets current standards and can accommodate all legal loads for many years to come.
- Safety - The newly constructed concrete bridge meets current bridge safety and functionality standards.
- Mobility - The new US 97 - Satus Creek Bridge accommodates all legal loads, eliminating the current weight restriction.
