US Bridges

SR 542 over Overflow Channel

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 9.9 E JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0015410B0000000

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,291
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Overflow Channel is a concrete slab carrying SR 542 over Overflow Channel 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 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesOverflow Channel
Location9.9 E JCT I-5
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.84324, -122.28966
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.3 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.8 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$1.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Overflow Channel built?

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

What condition is SR 542 over Overflow Channel 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 July 2022.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Overflow Channel carry?

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

How long is SR 542 over Overflow Channel?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Overflow Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.