US Bridges

SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 7.6 E JCT SR 539 · Structure no. 0014295B0000000

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,205
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow is a steel culvert carrying SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 10,205 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,205 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 544
CrossesNooksack R Overflow
Location7.6 E JCT SR 539
RouteState Highway 544
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.91711, -122.35019
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 25 or greater
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,205 (2023)
Projected traffic15,205 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$614,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow built?

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

What condition is SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow carry?

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

How long is SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m).

Who owns SR 544 over Nooksack R Overflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.