US Bridges

Nelson Avenue over Rudy Creek

Fair

Butte County, California · Between 16th ST & 12th ST · Structure no. 12C0284

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
860
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson Avenue over Rudy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nelson Avenue over Rudy Creek in Butte County, California. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 860 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,636 by 2047. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNelson Avenue
CrossesRudy Creek
LocationBetween 16th ST & 12th ST
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.52406, -121.59632
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 inspectionMarch 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic860 (2019)
Projected traffic1,636 by 2047
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Avenue over Rudy Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nelson Avenue over Rudy 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does Nelson Avenue over Rudy Creek carry?

About 860 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Nelson Avenue over Rudy Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Nelson Avenue over Rudy Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.