US Bridges

U.S. Highway 199 over Middle Fork Smith River

Good

Del Norte County, California · 01-DN-199-R17.06 · Structure no. 01 0044

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
560 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,100
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 199 over Middle Fork Smith River is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying U.S. Highway 199 over Middle Fork Smith River in Del Norte County, California. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 60 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,826 by 2042. The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesU.S. Highway 199
CrossesMiddle Fork Smith River
Location01-DN-199-R17.06
RouteU.S. Route 199
Coordinates41.84489, -123.92215
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length560 ft (170.7 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2009)
Projected traffic3,826 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 199 over Middle Fork Smith River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is U.S. Highway 199 over Middle Fork Smith River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 199 over Middle Fork Smith River carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 199 over Middle Fork Smith River?

The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. Highway 199 over Middle Fork Smith River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.