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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., will begin work to replace the existing two-lane concrete slab bridge, which is 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, and sees approximately 3,900 vehicles daily, including freight vehicles. Currently, due to the structural deficiency of the bridge, there is a weight restriction in place which limits the weight of vehicles crossing to no more than 20,000 lbs. per axle. This weight restriction severely limits many freight vehicles from crossing the bridge and forces them to use an alternate route, which often slows traffic down and causes delays.
To mitigate these delays, improve safety and to ensure the transport of goods and services, this project will replace 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.
The new concrete bridge structure will benefit all travelers by improving safety and mobility, ensuring the vital connection along US 97 remains intact.
During construction, travelers will be shifted onto a temporary bypass bridge structure, which will be built alongside the existing US 97 - Satus Creek Bridge. This temporary bridge structure will keep traffic moving during construction, and reduce delays.
The approximate cost for this project is estimated at $4.8 mil.
Mike Briggs
WSDOT Project Engineer
360-759-1310
swGorge@wsdot.wa.gov
Celeste Dimichina
WSDOT communications
360-905-2057
Celeste.Dimichina@wsdot.wa.gov