US Bridges

SR 542 over Galena Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 30.8 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0003017E0000000

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
107 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
623
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Galena Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 542 over Galena 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 623 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 877 by 2039. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 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
CrossesGalena Creek
Location30.8 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.86224, -121.67207
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 rating28.2 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic623 (2023)
Projected traffic877 by 2039
Trucks9%
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$1.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Galena Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 542 over Galena Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Galena Creek carry?

About 623 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Galena Creek?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Galena Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.