US Bridges

SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 1.0 N Skagit CO · Structure no. 0013566A0000000

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2021
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,617
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY is a steel culvert carrying SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 2,617 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,062 by 2039. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesLake Whatcom RY
Location1.0 N Skagit CO
RouteState Highway 9
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.65972, -122.21278
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
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,617 (2023)
Projected traffic3,062 by 2039
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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$426,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY 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 2021.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY carry?

About 2,617 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m).

Who owns SR 9 over Lake Whatcom RY?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.