US Bridges

Nelson Shippee RD over Little Dry Creek

Fair

Butte County, California · 1.8 MI W Colony RD · Structure no. 12C0349

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
33
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson Shippee RD over Little Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nelson Shippee RD over Little Dry Creek in Butte County, California. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1940, so it is 95 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 33 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16 by 2041. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNelson Shippee RD
CrossesLittle Dry Creek
Location1.8 MI W Colony RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.53654, -121.79696
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
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 2023
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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33 (2006)
Projected traffic16 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Little Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is Nelson Shippee RD over Little Dry 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Nelson Shippee RD over Little Dry Creek carry?

About 33 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nelson Shippee RD over Little Dry Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Nelson Shippee RD over Little Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.