US Bridges

SR 542 over Squalicum Creek

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 3.4 E JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0019937A0000000

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
105 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,774
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 over Squalicum Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 542 over Squalicum Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 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 12,774 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,349 by 2039. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 542
CrossesSqualicum Creek
Location3.4 E JCT I-5
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.80004, -122.40458
Functional classUrban 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 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 rating83.2 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,774 (2023)
Projected traffic46,349 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$1.8 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 over Squalicum Creek built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 over Squalicum 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 over Squalicum Creek carry?

About 12,774 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 over Squalicum Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 over Squalicum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.