US Bridges

SR 542 over Bagley Creek

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 26.3 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0003017A0000000

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
636
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Bagley Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 542 over Bagley Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 2 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 636 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 896 by 2039. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesBagley Creek
Location26.3 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.87722, -121.6705
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic636 (2023)
Projected traffic896 by 2039
Trucks8%
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$770,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Bagley Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Bagley 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Bagley Creek carry?

About 636 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Bagley Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Bagley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.