US Bridges

I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 1.4 N JCT SR 542 · Structure no. 000000AB0000000

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
520 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,546
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 6 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 4,546 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,300 by 2039. The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-5 Off Ramp
CrossesSR 539 Creek
Location1.4 N JCT SR 542
RouteInterstate 5
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.783, -122.48589
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length520 ft (158.5 m)
Longest span129 ft (39.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,546 (2023)
Projected traffic7,300 by 2039
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$7.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek carry?

About 4,546 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek?

The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long with a longest span of 129 ft (39.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 Off Ramp over SR 539 Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.