US Bridges

SR 542 over Slide Area

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 20.4 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0002425A0000000

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
102 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,283
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Slide Area is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Slide Area in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 6 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 1,283 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,806 by 2039. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesSlide Area
Location20.4 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.91139, -121.76047
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 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
CrossesOther
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$1.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Slide Area built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Slide Area 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Slide Area carry?

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

How long is SR 542 over Slide Area?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Slide Area?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.