US Bridges

SR 542 over Kendall Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 7.4 E JCT SR 9 · Structure no. 0007408A0000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
92 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,312
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Kendall Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Kendall Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5,312 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,482 by 2039. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesKendall Creek
Location7.4 E JCT SR 9
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.90508, -122.14103
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans6
Design loadHS 15
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,312 (2023)
Projected traffic7,482 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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$1.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Kendall Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Kendall 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 542 over Kendall Creek carry?

About 5,312 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Kendall Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Kendall Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.