US Bridges

State Route 96 over Klamath River

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 01-HUM-096-22.95 · Structure no. 04 0144

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
542 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
710
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 96 over Klamath River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying State Route 96 over Klamath River in Humboldt County, California. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 710 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,598 by 2046. The structure is 542 ft (165.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 77.1 mi (124 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 96
CrossesKlamath River
Location01-HUM-096-22.95
RouteState Highway 96
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates41.18652, -123.70477
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length542 ft (165.2 m)
Longest span294 ft (89.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic710 (2009)
Projected traffic1,598 by 2046
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed77.1 mi (124 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 State Route 96 over Klamath River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 96 over Klamath River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 96 over Klamath River carry?

About 710 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is State Route 96 over Klamath River?

The structure is 542 ft (165.2 m) long with a longest span of 294 ft (89.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 96 over Klamath River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.