US Bridges

NB SR 539 over Nooksack R

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 2.0 N JCT SR 544 · Structure no. 0003802B0000000

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
576 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,931
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB SR 539 over Nooksack R is a steel truss - thru carrying NB SR 539 over Nooksack R in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 4 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 7,931 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,168 by 2039. The structure is 576 ft (175.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNB SR 539
CrossesNooksack R
Location2.0 N JCT SR 544
RouteState Highway 539
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.91927, -122.48554
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length576 ft (175.6 m)
Longest span340 ft (103.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,931 (2023)
Projected traffic12,168 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$11.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was NB SR 539 over Nooksack R built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB SR 539 over Nooksack R 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NB SR 539 over Nooksack R carry?

About 7,931 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NB SR 539 over Nooksack R?

The structure is 576 ft (175.6 m) long with a longest span of 340 ft (103.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NB SR 539 over Nooksack R?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.