US Bridges

SR 542 over Chain UP Creek

Poor

Whatcom County, Washington · 16.1 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0017875A0000000

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,283
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Chain UP Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR 542 over Chain UP Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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 1,283 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,806 by 2039. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesChain UP Creek
Location16.1 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.90544, -121.84161
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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,283 (2023)
Projected traffic1,806 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$738,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Chain UP Creek built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Chain UP Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Chain UP Creek carry?

About 1,283 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Chain UP Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Chain UP Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.