US Bridges

SR 542 over Bell Creek

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 3.1 E JCT SR 9 · Structure no. 0003910A0000000

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
95 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,312
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Bell Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 542 over Bell Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 5,312 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,482 by 2039. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesBell Creek
Location3.1 E JCT SR 9
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.84858, -122.16125
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length95 ft (29 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 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$1.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Bell Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Bell Creek 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 SR 542 over Bell Creek carry?

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

How long is SR 542 over Bell Creek?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Bell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.