HistoricBridges.org Menu: HistoricBridges.org Menu:


We Recommend:
Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration.

HistoricBridges.org: Bridge Browser

I-5 Skagit River Bridge

I-5 Skagit River Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

Bridge Documented: August 26, 2014

View Photos
and Videos
View Maps
and Links

Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
I-5 Over Skagit River
Location
Mt. Vernon: Skagit County, Washington: United States
Structure Type
Metal 6 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete Curved T-Beam, Fixed
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1955 By Builder/Contractor: Peter Kiewit and Sons of Omaha, Nebraska
Rehabilitation Date
2013
Main Span Length
160.0 Feet (48.8 Meters)
Structure Length
1,112.0 Feet (338.9 Meters)
Roadway Width
56 Feet (17.07 Meters)
Spans
4 Main Span(s) and 8 Approach Span(s)
Inventory Number
0004794A0000000

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

View Archived National Bridge Inventory Report - Has Additional Details and Evaluation

This bridge was made infamous on May 23, 2013 when an oversize truck crashed into the overhead bracing of this truss bridge, causing one of the spans to collapse. Although this has resulted in the bridge being used (wrongly) by the media and other organizations as evidence of "crumbling infrastructure" the bridge itself was in good condition and the remaining spans are in good condition. The bridge collapse was simple physics. An oversize truck crashed into the bracing, which in turn damaged the truss causing it to collapse.

Following collapse and cleanup, a temporary Bailey truss was installed by June 19, 2013. By August 23, 2013, a new concrete beam span was built next to the Bailey truss on temporary piers and slid into place, providing a permanent replacement for the collapsed span. The sway bracing and portal bracing was also altered to remove the attractive arched design and make them flat to increase vertical clearance and prevent similar accidents in the future.

From a historic significance standpoint, this bridge is noted for its unusual design. With the exception of the end posts at the far ends of the truss span portion of the bridge, it features truss spans with vertical end posts, which make the bridge look like a continuous truss bridge, even though each span is a simple span. The extreme ends of the truss portion have inclined end posts, however this is only apparent at the south end today, due to the collapse of the northernmost truss span.

Divider

Photo Galleries and Videos: I-5 Skagit River Bridge

 

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Video

Bridge Collapse

Full Motion Video
Security camera video that was released showing the first moments of the bridge collapse. Streaming video of the bridge. Also includes a higher quality downloadable video for greater clarity or offline viewing.

Divider

Maps and Links: I-5 Skagit River Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):

Search For Additional Bridge Listings:

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

2021 National Bridge Inventory: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Additional Maps:

Google Maps

Google Streetview (If Available)

Bing Maps

OpenStreetMap

GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)

Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)

Apple Maps (Apple devices only)

MapQuest

HERE We Go Maps

ACME Mapper

Waze Map

Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App

Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)

Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)

Directions Via Sygic For Android

Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser

USGS National Map (United States Only)

Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)

Historic Aerials (United States Only)

CalTopo Maps (United States Only)


Divider
 
Home Top

Divider

About - Contact

© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.

Admin Login

Divider