US Bridges

SR 542 over Nooksack River

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 9.7 E JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0015410A0000000

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
930 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
11,291
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Nooksack River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Nooksack River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 11,291 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,149 by 2039. The structure is 930 ft (283.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 542
CrossesNooksack River
Location9.7 E JCT I-5
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.84127, -122.29488
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length930 ft (283.5 m)
Longest span203 ft (61.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,291 (2023)
Projected traffic16,149 by 2039
Trucks8%
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$19.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Nooksack River built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Nooksack River carry?

About 11,291 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Nooksack River?

The structure is 930 ft (283.5 m) long with a longest span of 203 ft (61.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Nooksack River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.