US Bridges

Lenhart RD over Saar Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 00.2 N of Rock RD · Structure no. 084207000000000

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lenhart RD over Saar Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Lenhart RD over Saar Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1974, 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 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 8 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2043. 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
CarriesLenhart RD
CrossesSaar Creek
Location00.2 N of Rock RD
RouteCounty Highway 68170
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.99554, -122.20608
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8 (2021)
Projected traffic15 by 2043
Trucks1%
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 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 Lenhart RD over Saar Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is Lenhart RD over Saar Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Lenhart RD over Saar Creek carry?

About 8 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Lenhart RD over Saar Creek?

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

Who owns Lenhart RD over Saar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.