US Bridges

U.S. Highway 50 over Carson Creek

Good

El Dorado County, California · 03-ED-050-R1.90L · Structure no. 25 0079

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
72,000
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 50 over Carson Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying U.S. Highway 50 over Carson Creek in El Dorado County, California. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 86 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 72,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 121,805 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesU.S. Highway 50
CrossesCarson Creek
Location03-ED-050-R1.90L
RouteU.S. Route 50
Coordinates38.65803, -121.0529
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72,000 (2012)
Projected traffic121,805 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 50 over Carson Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is U.S. Highway 50 over Carson Creek 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 50 over Carson Creek carry?

About 72,000 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 50 over Carson Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns U.S. Highway 50 over Carson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.