US Bridges

Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · .01 N. Harris Ave · Structure no. 088640000000000

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
149 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2019 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2041. The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesAlaska Ferry
CrossesBelligham Bay
Location.01 N. Harris Ave
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.72187, -122.51221
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length149 ft (45.4 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2019)
Projected traffic20 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.9 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay?

The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Alaska Ferry over Belligham Bay?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.