US Bridges

SR 542 over Maple Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 3.3 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 000000MV0000000

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,985
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Maple Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Maple Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 125 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 1,985 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,797 by 2039. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesMaple Creek
Location3.3 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.92128, -122.07202
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,985 (2023)
Projected traffic2,797 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$466,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Maple Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SR 542 over Maple 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 542 over Maple Creek carry?

About 1,985 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Maple Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Maple Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.