US Bridges

Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear River

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 8.0 MI S of Mattole RD · Structure no. 04C0082

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
230 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
75
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear River in Humboldt County, California. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 75 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 109 by 2042. The structure is 230 ft (70.2 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUpper Bear Riv RD
CrossesBear River
Location8.0 MI S of Mattole RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.46133, -124.28944
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating82.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length230 ft (70.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2011)
Projected traffic109 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear River carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear River?

The structure is 230 ft (70.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Upper Bear Riv RD over Bear River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.