US Bridges

SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 0.9 N JCT SR 544 · Structure no. 0003224A0000000

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,009
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake is a concrete continuous slab carrying SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 8,009 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,287 by 2039. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSB SR 539
CrossesWiser Lake
Location0.9 N JCT SR 544
RouteState Highway 539
Coordinates48.90459, -122.48561
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.8 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,009 (2023)
Projected traffic12,287 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake carry?

About 8,009 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns SB SR 539 over Wiser Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.