US Bridges

Nelson Shippee RD over Cherokee Canal

Fair

Butte County, California · 1 MI W of SH 99 · Structure no. 12C0087

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
171 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
95
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson Shippee RD over Cherokee Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Nelson Shippee RD over Cherokee Canal 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 95 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 104 by 2043. The structure is 171 ft (52 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNelson Shippee RD
CrossesCherokee Canal
Location1 MI W of SH 99
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.5377, -121.70731
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
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52 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 traffic95 (2018)
Projected traffic104 by 2043
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Shippee RD over Cherokee Canal built?

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

What condition is Nelson Shippee RD 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Nelson Shippee RD over Cherokee Canal carry?

About 95 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Nelson Shippee RD over Cherokee Canal?

The structure is 171 ft (52 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Nelson Shippee RD over Cherokee Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.