US Bridges

Saxon RD over Skookum CR

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 03.42 E of SR 9 · Structure no. 083684000000000

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
104 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
256
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Saxon RD over Skookum CR is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Saxon RD over Skookum CR in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 256 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2042. The structure is 104 ft (31.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSaxon RD
CrossesSkookum CR
Location03.42 E of SR 9
RouteCounty Highway 88980
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.67139, -122.14162
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic256 (2020)
Projected traffic350 by 2042
Trucks10%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Saxon RD over Skookum CR built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Saxon RD over Skookum 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Saxon RD over Skookum CR carry?

About 256 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Saxon RD over Skookum CR?

The structure is 104 ft (31.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Saxon RD over Skookum CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.