US Bridges

SR 543 over I-5

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0008934A0000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
252 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,422
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 543 over I-5 is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 543 over I-5 in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5,422 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,731 by 2039. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesSR 543
CrossesI-5
LocationJCT I-5
RouteState Highway 543
Coordinates48.98714, -122.73575
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,422 (2023)
Projected traffic7,731 by 2039
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$3.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 543 over I-5 built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 543 over I-5 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 543 over I-5 carry?

About 5,422 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SR 543 over I-5?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR 543 over I-5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.