US Bridges

SR 542 over Razorhone Creek

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 28.4 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0003017C0000000

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

About this bridge

SR 542 over Razorhone Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 542 over Razorhone 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 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 636 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 896 by 2039. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSR 542
CrossesRazorhone Creek
Location28.4 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
Coordinates48.86403, -121.658
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 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$663,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Razorhone Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 542 over Razorhone Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Razorhone Creek carry?

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

How long is SR 542 over Razorhone Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Razorhone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.