US Bridges

Durnell Road over Butte Creek

FairPosted for load

Butte County, California · 2.25 MI N Nelson RD · Structure no. 12C0023

Built
1904
121 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
103 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
48
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Durnell Road over Butte Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Durnell Road over Butte Creek in Butte County, California. It was built in 1904, so it is 121 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. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 48 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 213 by 2041. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesDurnell Road
CrossesButte Creek
Location2.25 MI N Nelson RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.5842, -121.80036
Functional classRural Local

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.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48 (2018)
Projected traffic213 by 2041
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Durnell Road over Butte Creek built?

It was built in 1904, making it 121 years old in 2025.

What condition is Durnell Road over Butte Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Durnell Road over Butte Creek carry?

About 48 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is Durnell Road over Butte Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Durnell Road over Butte Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.