Project news

• This project was awarded to Cascade Bridge, LLC., on June 1, 2020

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., 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. 

• Safety - The new concrete bridge will replace the existing structure, and will meet current bridge safety and functionality standards.
• Mobility - The new US 97 - Satus Creek Bridge will accommodate all legal loads, eliminating the current weight restriction. 

Timeline

• Spring 2020 - Project went to competitive ad and was awarded
• Summer 2020 - Project scheduled for construction
• Winter 2020 - Winter shutdown, construction scheduled for suspension
• Spring 2021 - Construction scheduled to resume
• Winter 2021 - Construction scheduled for completion 

Construction 

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.