US Bridges

Briceland-Thorne over South Fork Eel River

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 1.1 MI W JCT Old RTE 101 · Structure no. 04C0033

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
462 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,468
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Briceland-Thorne over South Fork Eel River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Briceland-Thorne over South Fork Eel River in Humboldt County, California. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 2,468 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,636 by 2045. The structure is 462 ft (140.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

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CarriesBriceland-Thorne
CrossesSouth Fork Eel River
Location1.1 MI W JCT Old RTE 101
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.1221, -123.83746
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length462 ft (140.8 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,468 (2010)
Projected traffic1,636 by 2045
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 South Fork Eel River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Briceland-Thorne over South Fork Eel 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Briceland-Thorne over South Fork Eel River carry?

About 2,468 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Briceland-Thorne over South Fork Eel River?

The structure is 462 ft (140.8 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Briceland-Thorne over South Fork Eel River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.