US Bridges

Putnam RD over Smith CR

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 00.1 N Mt Baker HWY · Structure no. 083626000000000

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
56
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Putnam RD over Smith CR is a concrete channel beam carrying Putnam RD over Smith CR in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 67 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.

It carries about 56 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2045. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPutnam RD
CrossesSmith CR
Location00.1 N Mt Baker HWY
RouteCounty Highway 68510
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.84333, -122.27667
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating24 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 width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic56 (2023)
Projected traffic100 by 2045
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$324,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Putnam RD over Smith CR built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Putnam RD over Smith 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Putnam RD over Smith CR carry?

About 56 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Putnam RD over Smith CR?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Putnam RD over Smith CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.