US Bridges

SR 542 over Anderson Creek

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 6.5 E JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0018753A0000000

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,272
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Anderson Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR 542 over Anderson Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,272 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,831 by 2039. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesAnderson Creek
Location6.5 E JCT I-5
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.80846, -122.34206
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.4 US tons
Inventory rating70.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,272 (2023)
Projected traffic11,831 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Anderson Creek built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Anderson Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Anderson Creek carry?

About 8,272 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Anderson Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Anderson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.