US Bridges

SR 9 over Johnson Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 3.8 N JCT SR 546 · Structure no. 0006578A0000000

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
104 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,919
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Johnson Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 9 over Johnson Creek 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 4,919 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,159 by 2039. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesJohnson Creek
Location3.8 N JCT SR 546
RouteState Highway 9
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.99711, -122.26497
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,919 (2023)
Projected traffic10,159 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Johnson Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 9 over Johnson Creek 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 SR 9 over Johnson Creek carry?

About 4,919 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Johnson Creek?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over Johnson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.