US Bridges

Alabama ST over I-5

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 3.5 N JCT SR 11 · Structure no. 0005663A0000000

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,997
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Alabama ST over I-5 is a concrete continuous slab carrying Alabama ST over I-5 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 5 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 17,997 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,065 by 2040. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 57 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAlabama ST
CrossesI-5
Location3.5 N JCT SR 11
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.76303, -122.46227
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,997 (2013)
Projected traffic22,065 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$3.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Alabama ST over I-5 built?

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

What condition is Alabama ST over I-5 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 Alabama ST over I-5 carry?

About 17,997 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Alabama ST over I-5?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns Alabama ST over I-5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.