US Bridges

SR 542 over Boulder CR

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 5.5 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0017342A0000000

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
148 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,951
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Boulder CR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Boulder CR in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 1,951 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,748 by 2039. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesBoulder CR
Location5.5 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.92768, -122.03136
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,951 (2023)
Projected traffic2,748 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$2.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Boulder CR built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Boulder CR 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 Boulder CR carry?

About 1,951 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Boulder CR?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Boulder CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.