US Bridges

Howard Heights RD over Freshwater Creek

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 0.01 MI SW Freshwater RD · Structure no. 04C0049

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
96 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
172
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howard Heights RD over Freshwater Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Howard Heights RD over Freshwater Creek 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 172 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 107 by 2041. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHoward Heights RD
CrossesFreshwater Creek
Location0.01 MI SW Freshwater RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.76436, -124.06594
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic172 (2011)
Projected traffic107 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Howard Heights RD over Freshwater Creek built?

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

What condition is Howard Heights RD over Freshwater 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Howard Heights RD over Freshwater Creek carry?

About 172 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Howard Heights RD over Freshwater Creek?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Howard Heights RD over Freshwater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.