US Bridges

Samish Way over I-5

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 3.6 N Skagit Co. · Structure no. 0006928A0000000

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
269 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,304
2002 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Samish Way over I-5 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Samish Way over I-5 in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 3,304 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,888 by 2036. The structure is 269 ft (82.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSamish Way
CrossesI-5
Location3.6 N Skagit Co.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.68756, -122.39917
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length269 ft (82.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,304 (2002)
Projected traffic5,888 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
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$4.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Samish Way over I-5 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Samish Way 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Samish Way over I-5 carry?

About 3,304 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Samish Way over I-5?

The structure is 269 ft (82.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Samish Way over I-5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.