US Bridges

SR 542 over Nooksack Tributary

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 1.5 E JCT SR 9 · Structure no. 0017941A0000000

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,312
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Nooksack Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying SR 542 over Nooksack Tributary 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 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 5,312 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,482 by 2039. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesNooksack Tributary
Location1.5 E JCT SR 9
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.82861, -122.17708
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,312 (2023)
Projected traffic7,482 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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$334,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Nooksack Tributary built?

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

What condition is SR 542 over Nooksack Tributary 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 Nooksack Tributary carry?

About 5,312 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Nooksack Tributary?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns SR 542 over Nooksack Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.