US Bridges

Howe Creek Road over Atwell Creek

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 1.3 MI S/O Blue Slide RD · Structure no. 04C0132

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
68
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howe Creek Road over Atwell Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Howe Creek Road over Atwell Creek in Humboldt County, California. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 65 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 68 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2042. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesHowe Creek Road
CrossesAtwell Creek
Location1.3 MI S/O Blue Slide RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.49545, -124.16863
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating77.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic68 (2015)
Projected traffic200 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 Howe Creek Road over Atwell Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Howe Creek Road over Atwell 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Howe Creek Road over Atwell Creek carry?

About 68 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Howe Creek Road over Atwell Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Howe Creek Road over Atwell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.