US Bridges

Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk

Fair

Whatcom County, Washington · 0.05 N JCT N Forest/York · Structure no. 085708000000000

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,900
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 7,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,600 by 2043. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesEllis ST Ext
CrossesWhatcom Crk
Location0.05 N JCT N Forest/York
RouteCity Street 30108
Coordinates48.75147, -122.4717
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,900 (2021)
Projected traffic10,600 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$912,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk 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 Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk carry?

About 7,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Ellis ST Ext over Whatcom Crk?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.