US Bridges

SR 542 over High Creek

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 2.0 E JCT SR 547 · Structure no. 0018851A0000000

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,035
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over High Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 542 over High Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 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 3,035 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,276 by 2039. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSR 542
CrossesHigh Creek
Location2.0 E JCT SR 547
RouteState Highway 542
Coordinates48.92033, -122.09714
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,035 (2023)
Projected traffic4,276 by 2039
Trucks7%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over High Creek built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over High 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR 542 over High Creek carry?

About 3,035 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over High Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m).

Who owns SR 542 over High Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.