US Bridges

SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 12.0 N Skagit CO · Structure no. 0004542A0000000

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
410 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,066
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4,066 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,712 by 2039. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesN Fk Nooksack River
Location12.0 N Skagit CO
RouteState Highway 9
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.80878, -122.19964
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,066 (2023)
Projected traffic5,712 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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$7.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River carry?

About 4,066 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over N Fk Nooksack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.