US Bridges

State Route 70 over Nelson Road

Fair

Butte County, California · 03-BUT-070-15.72-OVL · Structure no. 12 0142

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
142 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 70 over Nelson Road is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying State Route 70 over Nelson Road in Butte County, California. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 20,100 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,353 by 2041. The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long and 89 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 70
CrossesNelson Road
Location03-BUT-070-15.72-OVL
RouteState Highway 70
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.5239, -121.57314
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length142 ft (43.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width89 ft (27 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,100 (2020)
Projected traffic24,353 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 70 over Nelson Road built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 70 over Nelson Road 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 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 70 over Nelson Road carry?

About 20,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is State Route 70 over Nelson Road?

The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 70 over Nelson Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.