US Bridges

Oak Way over Sandy Gulch

Fair

Butte County, California · 0.5 MI W Glenwood Ave · Structure no. 12C0324

Built
1906
119 years old, rebuilt 1936
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
325
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oak Way over Sandy Gulch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Oak Way over Sandy Gulch in Butte County, California. It was built in 1906 and reconstructed in 1936, so it is 119 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 325 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 626 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOak Way
CrossesSandy Gulch
Location0.5 MI W Glenwood Ave
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.73549, -121.89102
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJuly 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic325 (2020)
Projected traffic626 by 2042
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Oak Way over Sandy Gulch built?

It was built in 1906, making it 119 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1936.

What condition is Oak Way over Sandy Gulch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Oak Way over Sandy Gulch carry?

About 325 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Oak Way over Sandy Gulch?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Oak Way over Sandy Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.