US Bridges

SR 546 over Johnson Creek

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 7.2 E JCT SR 539 · Structure no. 0006578B0000000

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,714
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 546 over Johnson Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 546 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,714 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,661 by 2039. The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 546
CrossesJohnson Creek
Location7.2 E JCT SR 539
RouteState Highway 546
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.96378, -122.32764
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,714 (2023)
Projected traffic7,661 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$917,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 546 over Johnson Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 546 over Johnson Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 546 over Johnson Creek carry?

About 4,714 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 546 over Johnson Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 546 over Johnson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.