US Bridges

I-5 over Padden Creek

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 7.6 N Skagit CO · Structure no. 0019493B0000000

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,069
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-5 over Padden Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying I-5 over Padden Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 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 24,069 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,189 by 2040. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-5
CrossesPadden Creek
Location7.6 N Skagit CO
RouteInterstate 5
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.71143, -122.47586
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88.2 US tons
Inventory rating67.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,069 (2023)
Projected traffic31,189 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-5 over Padden Creek built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-5 over Padden 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-5 over Padden Creek carry?

About 24,069 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is I-5 over Padden Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns I-5 over Padden Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.