US Bridges

SR 9 over Drainage Channel

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 5.9 N Skagit CO · Structure no. 0003011A0000000

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,967
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Drainage Channel is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 9 over Drainage Channel in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,967 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,836 by 2039. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

CarriesSR 9
CrossesDrainage Channel
Location5.9 N Skagit CO
RouteState Highway 9
Coordinates48.72444, -122.20331
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,967 (2023)
Projected traffic3,836 by 2039
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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$969,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Drainage Channel built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 over Drainage Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Drainage Channel carry?

About 2,967 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Drainage Channel?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over Drainage Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.