US Bridges

SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 12.5 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0006991A0000000

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,283
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 1,283 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,806 by 2039. The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSR 542
CrossesN Fork Nooksack River
Location12.5 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
Coordinates48.90164, -121.912
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length195 ft (59.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,283 (2023)
Projected traffic1,806 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River carry?

About 1,283 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River?

The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over N Fork Nooksack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.