US Bridges

SR 20 over Gorge Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 7.0 E Skagit CO · Structure no. 000000MT0000000

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
247 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,696
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Gorge Creek is a steel arch - deck carrying SR 20 over Gorge Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 1,696 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,442 by 2039. The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 20
CrossesGorge Creek
Location7.0 E Skagit CO
RouteState Highway 20
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.70067, -121.20978
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating93 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length247 ft (75.3 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,696 (2023)
Projected traffic2,442 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Gorge Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 20 over Gorge 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Gorge Creek carry?

About 1,696 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Gorge Creek?

The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SR 20 over Gorge Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.