US Bridges

Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon

Fair

Butte County, California · 1 MI W Wheelock Road · Structure no. 12C0249

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,469
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon in Butte County, California. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, younger 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 2,469 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,719 by 2046. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPentz Road
CrossesHorsethief Canyon
Location1 MI W Wheelock Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.64712, -121.61065
Functional classRural Major 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.
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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,469 (2019)
Projected traffic1,719 by 2046
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon 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 2024.

How much traffic does Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon carry?

About 2,469 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Pentz Road over Horsethief Canyon?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.