US Bridges

Road over Glacier Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · MP 2.9 RD #39 · Structure no. 060501000001405

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
145 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
64
1996 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Road over Glacier Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road over Glacier Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 64 vehicles a day, projected to reach 96 by 2045. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad
CrossesGlacier Creek
LocationMP 2.9 RD #39
RouteFederal Lands Road 39000
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.85419, -121.90251
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic64 (1996)
Projected traffic96 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Road over Glacier Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road over Glacier Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Road over Glacier Creek carry?

About 64 vehicles per day (1996 count).

How long is Road over Glacier Creek?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Road over Glacier Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.