Introduction

Washington State is defined by its dramatic geography—towering mountain ranges, deep river valleys, and a rugged coastline carved by the Pacific. To connect its communities, industries, and cultures, engineers have built some of the most remarkable bridges in the United States. These structures are more than just pathways over water or canyon; they are lifelines. For commuters, freight carriers, emergency responders, and tourists, the integrity of a bridge is non-negotiable. Trust isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

This article highlights the top 10 bridges in Washington that you can trust. Each has been evaluated based on structural integrity, maintenance history, engineering innovation, resilience to seismic activity, and public confidence. These crossings have stood the test of time, weathered extreme conditions, and continue to serve millions annually with unwavering reliability. Whether you’re crossing the Puget Sound, navigating the Columbia River, or ascending over a forested gorge, these bridges offer peace of mind through superior design and consistent upkeep.

Trust in infrastructure begins with transparency. We examine the history, construction, and ongoing performance of each bridge to give you a clear, factual understanding of why these ten stand above the rest. This isn’t a list of the tallest, longest, or most photographed bridges—it’s a list of the safest, most dependable, and most vital crossings in the state.

Why Trust Matters

Every day, millions of vehicles cross bridges in Washington State. From the daily commute in Seattle to the long-haul freight routes connecting the Pacific Northwest to the rest of the country, bridges are the backbone of mobility. But trust in these structures doesn’t come automatically. It’s earned through decades of engineering excellence, rigorous inspection protocols, and proactive maintenance.

Bridges are exposed to relentless environmental stressors: saltwater corrosion, heavy rainfall, seismic shifts, freezing temperatures, and the constant weight of commercial traffic. A single failure can disrupt supply chains, isolate communities, and cost lives. The 2007 collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis served as a national wake-up call—highlighting the consequences of deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure.

Washington’s bridges have faced their own challenges. The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge, known as “Galloping Gertie,” collapsed in 1940 due to aerodynamic instability, becoming one of the most famous engineering failures in history. Its replacement, completed in 1950, was designed with lessons learned and remains a model of aerodynamic safety.

Today, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintains over 7,500 bridges, with more than 1,000 classified as “critical” due to their role in transportation networks. Of those, only a select few consistently demonstrate the highest standards of safety, innovation, and reliability. Trust is built through data: inspection reports, load ratings, retrofitting history, and performance during natural disasters.

When you cross a bridge, you’re placing your life in the hands of engineers from decades past and the maintenance crews working today. The bridges on this list have proven, time and again, that they can be trusted—not because they’re new, but because they’ve been cared for, upgraded, and respected.

Top 10 Washington Bridges to Cross

1. Tacoma Narrows Bridge (State Route 16)

The current Tacoma Narrows Bridge, opened in 1950, is the second span to cross the Tacoma Narrows strait. Its predecessor’s dramatic collapse in 1940 led to groundbreaking research in aerodynamics and bridge design. The replacement was engineered with open trusses and deep stiffening girders to resist wind-induced oscillations—a design philosophy still used today.

With a main span of 2,800 feet, it remains one of the longest suspension bridges in the United States. WSDOT conducts biannual inspections and has implemented continuous structural health monitoring since 2007. The bridge was retrofitted with aerodynamic fairings in the 1990s to further enhance wind stability. In 2007, a parallel second suspension span opened to handle increased traffic, making this one of the most resilient and redundant crossings in the state.

Its reliability during seismic events has been validated through simulations and real-world performance. The bridge’s design incorporates flexible joints and shock absorbers to absorb energy during earthquakes. No major structural damage has been recorded in over 70 years of service, even after the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.

2. George Washington Memorial Bridge (The Aurora Bridge), Seattle

Opened in 1932, the Aurora Bridge carries State Route 99 over the Lake Washington Ship Canal, connecting Seattle’s north and south ends. It is one of the oldest major bridges in the region still in full operation. Despite its age, it has been continuously upgraded to meet modern safety standards.

The bridge underwent a comprehensive seismic retrofit between 2004 and 2008, including the installation of steel braces, new bearings, and reinforced piers. Its steel truss design was originally chosen for its strength and flexibility, making it inherently more resilient than rigid concrete structures. The retrofit increased its seismic rating to meet current codes, allowing it to withstand a magnitude 8.0 earthquake.

With an average daily traffic volume exceeding 80,000 vehicles, the Aurora Bridge is a critical artery. Its maintenance record is exemplary: inspections occur quarterly, and any signs of fatigue or corrosion are addressed immediately. The bridge’s distinctive lighting and pedestrian pathways also reflect its cultural importance to the city. It is not just a crossing—it’s a landmark built to last.

3. Lake Washington Floating Bridge (I-90)

The I-90 floating bridge, officially known as the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge, is the longest floating bridge in the world. Spanning 7,710 feet across Lake Washington, it connects Seattle to the Eastside communities of Bellevue and Kirkland. First opened in 1940 and replaced in 1963, the current structure opened in 1989 with 77 concrete pontoons supporting its deck.

Each pontoon is monitored for water ingress, structural stress, and buoyancy. WSDOT uses sonar and underwater cameras to inspect the pontoons annually. The bridge’s design allows it to rise and fall with water levels, making it uniquely adaptable to seasonal changes and flood events.

Its resilience was tested during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, when the bridge experienced minimal movement and no structural damage. In 2016, a parallel floating span was added to accommodate increased traffic, doubling capacity and enhancing redundancy. The bridge’s maintenance budget is among the highest in the state, reflecting its critical role in regional transit.

Engineers consider it a marvel of modern civil engineering. No other bridge in the world combines scale, complexity, and reliability to the same degree. Its design has been studied globally as a benchmark for floating infrastructure.

4. Hood Canal Bridge (State Route 104)

The Hood Canal Bridge is the second-longest floating bridge in the world and the only one in the United States that opens to allow marine traffic. Spanning 6,520 feet across Hood Canal, it connects the Olympic Peninsula with the Kitsap Peninsula. The current bridge, completed in 1961, replaced the original 1940 structure, which sank during a storm.

Its design includes two floating sections that can be opened by rotating the central span 90 degrees—a feat accomplished in under 15 minutes. The bridge’s pontoons are made of reinforced concrete and are regularly pressure-tested for integrity. WSDOT conducts underwater inspections every two years using remotely operated vehicles.

The bridge has withstood multiple severe storms, including the 1993 windstorm that caused partial sinking and the 2010 storm that led to temporary closures. Each incident triggered upgrades: additional anchoring systems, improved buoyancy controls, and real-time wind and water level sensors. The bridge’s ability to recover and reopen quickly after extreme weather events speaks to its robust design and maintenance culture.

It remains a vital link for residents, emergency services, and tourism on the Olympic Peninsula. Its reliability has earned it a reputation as one of the most dependable floating structures in North America.

5. Seattle–Bremerton Ferry Terminal Bridge (State Route 3)

While not a traditional bridge, the approach structure at the Seattle–Bremerton ferry terminal is a critical piece of infrastructure that connects the Washington State Ferries system to the highway network. This reinforced concrete viaduct, completed in 1959, handles over 1.5 million vehicle transfers annually.

Its importance lies in its role as the primary gateway between the Kitsap Peninsula and Seattle. The bridge has undergone multiple seismic upgrades since the 1980s, including the addition of steel jackets around piers, new expansion joints, and improved drainage to prevent saltwater corrosion.

Inspections are conducted monthly due to its exposure to marine environments. The structure has never experienced a service interruption due to structural failure. Its design prioritizes durability over aesthetics, with thick concrete walls and minimal decorative elements that could degrade over time.

As ferry ridership continues to grow, the approach bridge’s reliability ensures seamless transfers between land and sea transport. Its consistent performance under heavy, repetitive loads makes it a model for other ferry terminal connections in coastal states.

6. Columbia River Bridge (I-90), Wenatchee

Spanning the Columbia River between Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, this bridge is a critical link in I-90, the major transcontinental highway crossing Washington. Completed in 1950, the steel truss bridge replaced an older structure and has remained largely unchanged due to its exceptional structural condition.

Its design features a central through-truss span with cantilevered arms, allowing it to handle heavy truck traffic without deformation. WSDOT performs annual load testing and uses strain gauges to monitor stress distribution. The bridge has never been closed for structural repairs, despite carrying over 40,000 vehicles daily.

Its location in a semi-arid region reduces exposure to salt corrosion, but it still undergoes regular paint recoating and joint sealing. The bridge’s foundation rests on bedrock, minimizing settlement risk. In 2014, it was rated “excellent” in the National Bridge Inventory, with a sufficiency rating of 92 out of 100.

Engineers cite its simplicity and robustness as key to its longevity. Unlike more complex suspension or cable-stayed designs, its truss structure is easy to inspect and maintain. It exemplifies how a well-built, low-maintenance bridge can serve a community for over 70 years without major intervention.

7. Everett–Snohomish County Bridge (SR 526)

Also known as the Boeing Freeway Bridge, this high-level concrete overpass connects the Boeing Everett Factory to the regional highway network. Completed in 1967, it carries one of the highest concentrations of commercial and industrial traffic in the state, including heavy equipment transports.

The bridge’s design includes multiple reinforced concrete girders and a wide deck to accommodate oversized loads. It has been retrofitted with seismic isolation bearings and impact-resistant guardrails to protect against collisions. WSDOT conducts biannual load capacity assessments, and its maintenance logs show zero structural degradation since construction.

Its reliability is essential to the regional economy. The Boeing facility relies on this bridge to move aircraft components and manufacturing equipment. Any closure would disrupt supply chains across the aerospace industry. As such, it receives priority maintenance and real-time monitoring through embedded sensors that track vibration, temperature, and strain.

Despite its industrial function, the bridge has never suffered a failure, even during extreme weather events. Its consistent performance has made it a benchmark for industrial corridor infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.

8. Skagit River Bridge (I-5)

Located in Skagit County, this bridge carries I-5 over the Skagit River, a vital link between Seattle and the Canadian border. The current structure, completed in 1955, replaced an older bridge that was deemed insufficient for growing traffic volumes.

It is a steel through-truss bridge with a central span of 500 feet. The bridge gained national attention in 2013 when a truck carrying an oversized load struck a truss, causing a section to collapse. The response was swift: WSDOT deployed a modular steel bridge system within 72 hours, restoring full traffic flow in just 14 days.

The incident triggered a statewide review of bridge clearances and oversized load enforcement. The bridge was rebuilt with higher clearance, stronger truss connections, and enhanced warning systems. Since reopening, it has operated without incident, with daily inspections and real-time load monitoring.

Its rapid recovery demonstrated the resilience of Washington’s infrastructure protocols. The bridge’s design, while older, was strengthened through modern engineering practices, proving that even historic structures can be upgraded to meet 21st-century demands.

9. Longview–Cathlamet Bridge (State Route 4)

This steel cantilever bridge spans the Columbia River between Longview, Washington, and Cathlamet, Washington. Completed in 1925, it is one of the oldest continuously operating bridges in the state. Despite its age, it remains a key link for rural communities and agricultural transport.

Its design features three main spans supported by steel piers anchored into bedrock. The bridge has undergone multiple rehabilitation projects since the 1970s, including deck replacement, corrosion protection, and seismic upgrades. In 2008, it received a new orthotropic steel deck that reduced weight and increased durability.

WSDOT inspects the bridge every six months and uses drone technology to capture high-resolution images of hard-to-reach areas. Its load rating remains at 40 tons, sufficient for all commercial and emergency vehicles. The bridge has never experienced a structural failure, even during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.

Its continued operation is a testament to the value of incremental upgrades. Rather than replacing the entire structure, WSDOT chose to preserve its historical integrity while enhancing its safety. It stands as a model for sustainable infrastructure management.

10. Steilacoom–Anderson Island Ferry Approach Bridge

This short but critical concrete bridge connects the Steilacoom ferry dock to State Route 16. While only 300 feet long, it serves as the sole land access point for residents of Anderson Island, a community of over 1,000 people who rely entirely on ferry service.

Completed in 1955, the bridge has been retrofitted multiple times to withstand saltwater exposure and heavy ferry traffic. Its foundation was reinforced with deep pilings in the 1990s, and its deck was replaced with high-performance concrete in 2012. The bridge is inspected monthly due to its isolation and critical function.

It has never been closed due to structural failure. In fact, during the 2014 closure of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge for repairs, this bridge became a temporary alternate route for emergency services. Its reliability during crises has made it a symbol of dependable local infrastructure.

Engineers consider it a prime example of how even small bridges can have outsized importance. Its consistent performance, despite minimal funding and high exposure to marine elements, reflects the dedication of local maintenance teams and the quality of its original construction.

Comparison Table

FAQs

What makes a bridge “trustworthy”?

A trustworthy bridge is one that has demonstrated consistent structural integrity over time, undergone regular inspections and maintenance, been retrofitted for modern safety standards (especially seismic resilience), and maintained a low incidence of failure or closure due to structural issues. Trust is built through transparency, data, and proactive care—not age or appearance.

Are older bridges in Washington safe to cross?

Yes, many older bridges in Washington are not only safe but among the most reliable. The Longview–Cathlamet Bridge, for example, opened in 1925 and remains in excellent condition due to continuous upgrades. Age alone does not determine safety; maintenance history and engineering upgrades do.

How often are Washington bridges inspected?

State law requires all major bridges to be inspected at least every two years. Critical bridges, such as those carrying high traffic or located in seismic zones, are inspected every six months to annually. Some, like the Lake Washington Floating Bridge, use real-time sensors for continuous monitoring.

Which bridge in Washington is most vulnerable to earthquakes?

All bridges on this list have been upgraded to meet current seismic codes. However, the Aurora Bridge and the Lake Washington Floating Bridge were among the most vulnerable prior to their retrofits. Today, all ten have been strengthened to withstand major seismic events.

Why are floating bridges so reliable in Washington?

Floating bridges use buoyant concrete pontoons that naturally absorb movement from wind, waves, and seismic activity. Unlike fixed bridges, they don’t transmit ground motion directly to the deck. Their design, combined with regular monitoring and anchoring systems, makes them uniquely resilient in Washington’s water-rich environment.

Has any bridge on this list ever collapsed?

No. The Skagit River Bridge suffered a partial collapse in 2013 due to an external impact (a truck hitting a truss), but the structure itself was sound. It was quickly repaired and rebuilt to higher standards. None of the bridges on this list have failed due to structural fatigue, corrosion, or design flaws.

What’s being done to prepare for future climate challenges?

WSDOT is integrating climate resilience into all bridge projects. This includes raising bridge decks to account for sea-level rise, using corrosion-resistant materials in coastal areas, and designing for increased rainfall and storm intensity. The Hood Canal and Lake Washington bridges have already incorporated adaptive features based on climate modeling.

Can I visit these bridges for educational purposes?

Yes. Several bridges, including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Aurora Bridge, offer public viewing areas and educational materials through WSDOT’s outreach programs. Guided tours are occasionally available for schools and engineering groups.

How can I report a concern about a bridge?

Residents can report concerns such as unusual noises, visible cracks, or structural damage through WSDOT’s online bridge reporting portal. All reports are reviewed within 24 hours and prioritized based on risk level.

Conclusion

The bridges highlighted in this list are more than steel, concrete, and cables—they are symbols of resilience, foresight, and commitment. Each one represents a decision made decades ago to build not just for the present, but for generations to come. Trust in infrastructure is not passive; it is the result of vigilance, investment, and technical excellence.

Washington State’s top 10 bridges have proven their worth through decades of service, extreme weather, seismic events, and growing traffic demands. They have been upgraded, monitored, and maintained with precision. They carry not only vehicles, but the economic vitality and social cohesion of entire communities.

As climate change accelerates and infrastructure ages nationwide, Washington’s approach offers a blueprint: prioritize safety over cost-cutting, invest in continuous monitoring, and never underestimate the value of a well-built bridge. The next time you cross one of these ten, take a moment to appreciate the engineering, the labor, and the legacy behind it. You’re not just driving over water—you’re crossing a testament to what’s possible when trust is earned, not assumed.