US Bridges

I-5 over Joe Leary Slough

Fair

Skagit County, Washington · 0.6 N JCT SR 11 · Structure no. 0007216B0000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,272
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 over Joe Leary Slough is a concrete continuous slab carrying I-5 over Joe Leary Slough in Skagit County, Washington. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 28,272 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,600 by 2039. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-5
CrossesJoe Leary Slough
Location0.6 N JCT SR 11
RouteInterstate 5
CountySkagit County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.49308, -122.33564
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,272 (2023)
Projected traffic40,600 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 over Joe Leary Slough built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-5 over Joe Leary Slough in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does I-5 over Joe Leary Slough carry?

About 28,272 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I-5 over Joe Leary Slough?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 over Joe Leary Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.