US Bridges

SR 542 over Cornell Creek

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 9.7 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0001494B0000000

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,951
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Cornell Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 542 over Cornell Creek 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,951 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,748 by 2039. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesCornell Creek
Location9.7 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.8922, -121.96257
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,951 (2023)
Projected traffic2,748 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$1.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Cornell Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 542 over Cornell Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Cornell Creek carry?

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

How long is SR 542 over Cornell Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Cornell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.