US Bridges

I-5 over SR 539 Meridian ST

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 1.4 N JCT SR 542 · Structure no. 0005620B0000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,088
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 over SR 539 Meridian ST is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying I-5 over SR 539 Meridian ST in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 26,088 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,635 by 2039. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-5
CrossesSR 539 Meridian ST
Location1.4 N JCT SR 542
RouteInterstate 5
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.78264, -122.48564
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,088 (2023)
Projected traffic39,635 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
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$3.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 over SR 539 Meridian ST built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-5 over SR 539 Meridian ST 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 SR 539 Meridian ST carry?

About 26,088 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I-5 over SR 539 Meridian ST?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 over SR 539 Meridian ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.