US Bridges

Nelson RD over Dry Creek

Fair

Butte County, California · 0.5 MI W of SR 99 · Structure no. 12C0085

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
143 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
198
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson RD over Dry Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Nelson RD over Dry Creek in Butte County, California. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 198 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 216 by 2040. The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNelson RD
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.5 MI W of SR 99
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.58134, -121.69929
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length143 ft (43.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic198 (2018)
Projected traffic216 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Nelson RD over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nelson RD over Dry 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 Nelson RD over Dry Creek carry?

About 198 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Nelson RD over Dry Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Nelson RD over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.