US Bridges

Telegraph RD N over Sumas River

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 00.2 N.E.Deeter Rd. · Structure no. 081865000000000

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,120
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Telegraph RD N over Sumas River is a concrete slab carrying Telegraph RD N over Sumas River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,120 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,600 by 2045. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTelegraph RD N
CrossesSumas River
Location00.2 N.E.Deeter Rd.
RouteCounty Highway 66610
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.95599, -122.27636
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 rating32 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,120 (2023)
Projected traffic1,600 by 2045
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Telegraph RD N over Sumas River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Telegraph RD N over Sumas River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Telegraph RD N over Sumas River carry?

About 1,120 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Telegraph RD N over Sumas River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Telegraph RD N over Sumas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.