US Bridges

SR 542 over Coal Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 6.1 E JCT SR 9 · Structure no. 0003152A0000000

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,312
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Coal Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Coal 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 6 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 5,312 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,482 by 2039. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesCoal Creek
Location6.1 E JCT SR 9
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.88872, -122.15214
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,312 (2023)
Projected traffic7,482 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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$866,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Coal Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 542 over Coal 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Coal Creek carry?

About 5,312 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Coal Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Coal Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.