US Bridges

SR 9 over Overflow Channel

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 0.1 N JCT SR 542 · Structure no. 0003011B0000000

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,728
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Overflow Channel is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 9 over Overflow 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 3,728 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,751 by 2039. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSR 9
CrossesOverflow Channel
Location0.1 N JCT SR 542
RouteState Highway 9
Coordinates48.84367, -122.28883
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,728 (2023)
Projected traffic5,751 by 2039
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Overflow Channel built?

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

What condition is SR 9 over Overflow 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 Overflow Channel carry?

About 3,728 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Overflow Channel?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over Overflow Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.