US Bridges

Afton RD over Cherokee Canal

Fair

Butte County, California · 0.4 MI E/O Wickman RD · Structure no. 12C0380

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
383 ft
20 main spans
Daily traffic
513
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Afton RD over Cherokee Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Afton RD over Cherokee Canal in Butte County, California. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 513 vehicles a day, roughly 38% of them trucks, projected to reach 642 by 2041. The structure is 383 ft (116.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesAfton RD
CrossesCherokee Canal
Location0.4 MI E/O Wickman RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyButte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.42095, -121.77489
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans20
Design loadUnknown
Structure length383 ft (116.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic513 (2007)
Projected traffic642 by 2041
Trucks38%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Afton RD over Cherokee Canal built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Afton RD over Cherokee 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Afton RD over Cherokee Canal carry?

About 513 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 38% are trucks.

How long is Afton RD over Cherokee Canal?

The structure is 383 ft (116.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Afton RD over Cherokee Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.