US Bridges

Bell Road over Pigeon Creek

Poor

Amador County, California · 0.4 MI E/O SH 49 · Structure no. 26C0027

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Road over Pigeon Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bell Road over Pigeon Creek in Amador County, California. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 26 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 42 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Road
CrossesPigeon Creek
Location0.4 MI E/O SH 49
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAmador County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.54135, -120.84395
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating16.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26 (2011)
Projected traffic42 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$90,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bell Road over Pigeon Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bell Road over Pigeon Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Bell Road over Pigeon Creek carry?

About 26 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bell Road over Pigeon Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Road over Pigeon Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.