US Bridges

SR 544 over Nooksack River

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 7.6 E JCT SR 539 · Structure no. 0014295A0000000

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
466 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,205
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 544 over Nooksack River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 544 over Nooksack River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 10,205 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,205 by 2040. The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesSR 544
CrossesNooksack River
Location7.6 E JCT SR 539
RouteState Highway 544
Coordinates48.91746, -122.34971
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length466 ft (142 m)
Longest span128 ft (39 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,205 (2023)
Projected traffic15,205 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$6.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 544 over Nooksack River built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 544 over 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 544 over Nooksack River carry?

About 10,205 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 544 over Nooksack River?

The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long with a longest span of 128 ft (39 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 544 over Nooksack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.