US Bridges

Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · 0.3 W HWY 9 · Structure no. 088759000000000

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
360 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
557
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 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 557 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 870 by 2045. The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPotter RD
CrossesSouth Fork Nooksack
Location0.3 W HWY 9
RouteCounty Highway 89800
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.78908, -122.19942
Functional classRural 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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length360 ft (109.7 m)
Longest span236 ft (72 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic557 (2023)
Projected traffic870 by 2045
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack carry?

About 557 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack?

The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long with a longest span of 236 ft (72 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Potter RD over South Fork Nooksack?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.