US Bridges

U.S. Highway 101 over Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 01-HUM-101-R5.63 · Structure no. 04 0241

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Concrete Continuous
Length
1,424 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 101 over Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv is a concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying U.S. Highway 101 over Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv in Humboldt County, California. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,917 by 2041. The structure is 1,424 ft (434 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. Highway 101
CrossesBenbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv
Location01-HUM-101-R5.63
RouteU.S. Route 101
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.03218, -123.77814
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating75.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,424 ft (434 m)
Longest span176 ft (53.6 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2014)
Projected traffic5,917 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. Highway 101 over Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv 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 U.S. Highway 101 over Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 101 over Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv?

The structure is 1,424 ft (434 m) long with a longest span of 176 ft (53.6 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. Highway 101 over Benbow DR & S Fk Eel Riv?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.