US Bridges

U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie Creek

Fair

Del Norte County, California · 01-DN-101-9.39 · Structure no. 01 0004

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
92 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,600
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie Creek in Del Norte County, California. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 68 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 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,937 by 2043. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. Highway 101
CrossesHigh Prairie Creek
Location01-DN-101-9.39
RouteU.S. Route 101
CountyDel Norte County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates41.5682, -124.06892
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2009)
Projected traffic6,937 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie Creek carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. Highway 101 over High Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.