US Bridges

Briceland-Thorne over China Creek

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 5.2 MI NE Shelter Cove · Structure no. 04C0019

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
106 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,328
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Briceland-Thorne over China Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Briceland-Thorne over China Creek in Humboldt County, California. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,328 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,308 by 2045. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

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CarriesBriceland-Thorne
CrossesChina Creek
Location5.2 MI NE Shelter Cove
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.10133, -123.917
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,328 (2008)
Projected traffic1,308 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Briceland-Thorne over China Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Briceland-Thorne over China 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Briceland-Thorne over China Creek carry?

About 1,328 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Briceland-Thorne over China Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Briceland-Thorne over China Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.