US Bridges

I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 7.9 N JCT SR 548 · Structure no. 0006570A0000000

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
393 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
8,738
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 8,738 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,377 by 2039. The structure is 393 ft (119.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-5
CrossesDakota CR & West RD
Location7.9 N JCT SR 548
RouteInterstate 5
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.97172, -122.71919
Functional classRural 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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length393 ft (119.8 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,738 (2023)
Projected traffic19,377 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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$7.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD carry?

About 8,738 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD?

The structure is 393 ft (119.8 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 over Dakota CR & West RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.