US Bridges

SR 542 over N Fk Nooksack R Warnick

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 8.0 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0001494A0000000

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
251 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,951
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over N Fk Nooksack R Warnick is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 542 over N Fk Nooksack R Warnick in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 1,951 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,748 by 2039. The structure is 251 ft (76.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesN Fk Nooksack R Warnick
Location8.0 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.90495, -121.99217
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length251 ft (76.5 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,951 (2023)
Projected traffic2,748 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over N Fk Nooksack R Warnick built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over N Fk Nooksack R Warnick 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 N Fk Nooksack R Warnick carry?

About 1,951 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over N Fk Nooksack R Warnick?

The structure is 251 ft (76.5 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over N Fk Nooksack R Warnick?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.