US Bridges

Gillies RD over Sumas River

FairPosted for load

Whatcom County, Washington · 00.1 S of Alm Rd. · Structure no. 082669000000000

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
263
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gillies RD over Sumas River is a concrete channel beam carrying Gillies RD over Sumas River in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 78 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 263 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,100 by 2045. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesGillies RD
CrossesSumas River
Location00.1 S of Alm Rd.
RouteCounty Highway 66710
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.94199, -122.30952
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating19.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic263 (2023)
Projected traffic2,100 by 2045
Trucks1%
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$2.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Gillies RD over Sumas River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is Gillies RD 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 Gillies RD over Sumas River carry?

About 263 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Gillies RD over Sumas River?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Gillies RD over Sumas River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.