US Bridges

SR 548 over Dakota Creek

FairPosted for load

Whatcom County, Washington · 11.5 W JCT I-5 · Structure no. 080615000000000

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1951
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
184 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,776
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 548 over Dakota Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 548 over Dakota Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1951, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 7,776 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,953 by 2039. The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 548
CrossesDakota Creek
Location11.5 W JCT I-5
RouteState Highway 548
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.97208, -122.72926
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating22 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length184 ft (56.1 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,776 (2023)
Projected traffic10,953 by 2039
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$2.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 548 over Dakota Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1951.

What condition is SR 548 over Dakota 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 548 over Dakota Creek carry?

About 7,776 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 548 over Dakota Creek?

The structure is 184 ft (56.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 548 over Dakota Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.