US Bridges

I-5 over Meador Ave

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 2.8 N JCT SR 11 · Structure no. 0005463A0000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
280 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
38,169
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 over Meador Ave is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying I-5 over Meador Ave 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 38,169 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,064 by 2039. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-5
CrossesMeador Ave
Location2.8 N JCT SR 11
RouteInterstate 5
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.75242, -122.4628
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,169 (2023)
Projected traffic55,064 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$5.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 over Meador Ave built?

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

What condition is I-5 over Meador Ave 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I-5 over Meador Ave carry?

About 38,169 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I-5 over Meador Ave?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 over Meador Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.