US Bridges

SR 542 over Fossil Creek

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 15.8 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0001755A0000000

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,283
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Fossil Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Fossil Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 4 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 1,283 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,806 by 2039. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 542
CrossesFossil Creek
Location15.8 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.90571, -121.84811
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,283 (2023)
Projected traffic1,806 by 2039
Trucks5%
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$785,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Fossil Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Fossil 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 Fossil Creek carry?

About 1,283 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Fossil Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Fossil Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.