US Bridges

Van Buren RD over Johnson CR

FairPosted for load

Whatcom County, Washington · 0.6 Mi. N Lindsay RD · Structure no. 082174000000000

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,031
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Van Buren RD over Johnson CR is a concrete channel beam carrying Van Buren RD over Johnson CR in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 75 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 5 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 1,031 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVan Buren RD
CrossesJohnson CR
Location0.6 Mi. N Lindsay RD
RouteCounty Highway 63350
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.95762, -122.33125
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating25 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,031 (2021)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2043
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

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$1.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Van Buren RD over Johnson CR built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is Van Buren RD over Johnson CR 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Van Buren RD over Johnson CR carry?

About 1,031 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Van Buren RD over Johnson CR?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Van Buren RD over Johnson CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.