US Bridges

Nichols RD over Contra Costa Canal

Fair

Contra Costa County, California · 0.35 MI S of Port Chicago · Structure no. DAPAMCCON000453

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
94 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2019 count
Owner
Federal
Army

About this bridge

Nichols RD over Contra Costa Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nichols RD over Contra Costa Canal in Contra Costa County, California. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 80 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 6 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 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2044. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNichols RD
CrossesContra Costa Canal
Location0.35 MI S of Port Chicago
CountyContra Costa County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.03609, -121.98785
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2019)
Projected traffic75 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerArmy
Maintained byArmy
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$27,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nichols RD over Contra Costa Canal built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Nichols RD over Contra Costa 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Nichols RD over Contra Costa Canal carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Nichols RD over Contra Costa Canal?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Nichols RD over Contra Costa Canal?

It is owned by the Army.