US Bridges

SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 0.3 E JCT SR 9 · Structure no. 0003486A0000000

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,027
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2 is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2 in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 3 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 10,027 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,341 by 2039. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesOverflow Channel No 2
Location0.3 E JCT SR 9
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.84356, -122.28342
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,027 (2023)
Projected traffic14,341 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2 built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2 carry?

About 10,027 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Overflow Channel No 2?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.