US Bridges

SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 23.7 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0005274A0000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
178 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
649
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 649 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 914 by 2039. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 542
CrossesN Fork Nooksack River
Location23.7 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.90623, -121.69382
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length178 ft (54.3 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic649 (2023)
Projected traffic914 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$2.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over N Fork 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River carry?

About 649 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River?

The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.