US Bridges

Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage

FairPosted for load

Whatcom County, Washington · 0.07 MI E of S Nugent RD · Structure no. 080013000000000

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,300
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 47 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2046. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesGooseberry Spur
CrossesHale Passage
Location0.07 MI E of S Nugent RD
RouteCounty Highway 12740
Coordinates48.72037, -122.68151
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2024)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2046
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Gooseberry Spur over Hale Passage?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.