US Bridges

SR 547 over Sumas River

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 10.2 N JCT SR 542 · Structure no. 000000QW0000000

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
126 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,915
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 547 over Sumas River is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 547 over Sumas River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,915 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,818 by 2039. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSR 547
CrossesSumas River
Location10.2 N JCT SR 542
RouteState Highway 547
Coordinates48.99275, -122.25394
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 15
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,915 (2023)
Projected traffic2,818 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 547 over Sumas River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 547 over Sumas River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 547 over Sumas River carry?

About 1,915 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 547 over Sumas River?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR 547 over Sumas River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.