US Bridges

Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte Canal

Fair

Butte County, California · 0.5 MI E Larkin RD · Structure no. 12C0162

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
67 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
238
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte Canal in Butte County, California. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 238 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 642 by 2045. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesRichards Ave
CrossesSutter-Butte Canal
Location0.5 MI E Larkin RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.349, -121.65066
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.
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic238 (2017)
Projected traffic642 by 2045
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte Canal built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte Canal carry?

About 238 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte Canal?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Richards Ave over Sutter-Butte Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.