US Bridges

Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass

Fair

Butte County, California · 1.05 MI E Midway RD · Structure no. 12C0034

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
185 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,191
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass is a concrete continuous slab carrying Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass in Butte County, California. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,191 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,854 by 2043. The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesRichvale HWY
CrossesCherokee Canal Bypass
Location1.05 MI E Midway RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.49388, -121.72556
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length185 ft (56.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,191 (2018)
Projected traffic1,854 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass 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 Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass carry?

About 1,191 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass?

The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Richvale HWY over Cherokee Canal Bypass?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.