US Bridges

State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal

Fair

Butte County, California · 03-BUT-162-6.67 · Structure no. 12 0042

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
434 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
930
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal in Butte County, California. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 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 930 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,353 by 2041. The structure is 434 ft (132.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 162
CrossesCherokee Canal
Location03-BUT-162-6.67
RouteState Highway 162
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.46472, -121.74537
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.6 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadHS 20
Structure length434 ft (132.4 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic930 (2020)
Projected traffic1,353 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal carry?

About 930 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal?

The structure is 434 ft (132.4 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 162 over Cherokee Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.