US Bridges

SR 542 over Mccauley CR

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 1.5 E JCT SR 9 · Structure no. 0003486D0000000

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2021
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,227
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Mccauley CR is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 542 over Mccauley CR 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 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 9,227 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,196 by 2039. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesMccauley CR
Location1.5 E JCT SR 9
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.83983, -122.25726
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionApril 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 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 traffic9,227 (2023)
Projected traffic13,196 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$880,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Mccauley CR built?

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

What condition is SR 542 over Mccauley CR 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 April 2021.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Mccauley CR carry?

About 9,227 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Mccauley CR?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Mccauley CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.