US Bridges

Commercial/Young over Whatcom Creek

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · Commercial/Whatcom · Structure no. 085531000000000

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,900
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Commercial/Young over Whatcom Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Commercial/Young over Whatcom Creek in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,000 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCommercial/Young
CrossesWhatcom Creek
LocationCommercial/Whatcom
RouteCity Street 86201
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.75583, -122.47778
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating106.8 US tons
Inventory rating65.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,900 (2021)
Projected traffic7,000 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$634,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Commercial/Young over Whatcom Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Commercial/Young over Whatcom 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Commercial/Young over Whatcom Creek carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Commercial/Young over Whatcom Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Commercial/Young over Whatcom Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.