US Bridges

SR 11 over Padden Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 5.7 N Skagit CO · Structure no. 0001620A0000000

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
330 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
10,799
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 11 over Padden Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 11 over Padden Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 10,799 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,734 by 2039. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 11
CrossesPadden Creek
Location5.7 N Skagit CO
RouteState Highway 11
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.71625, -122.50222
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,799 (2023)
Projected traffic15,734 by 2039
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$7.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 11 over Padden Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 11 over Padden 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 11 over Padden Creek carry?

About 10,799 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 11 over Padden Creek?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 11 over Padden Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.