US Bridges

Briceland Thorn RD over Vanarken Creek

Fair

Humboldt County, California · 1.0 MI S Shelter Cove RD · Structure no. 04C0205

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
105 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
420
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Briceland Thorn RD over Vanarken Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Briceland Thorn RD over Vanarken Creek in Humboldt County, California. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 420 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,308 by 2045. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesBriceland Thorn RD
CrossesVanarken Creek
Location1.0 MI S Shelter Cove RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHumboldt County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.05153, -123.95648
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (2010)
Projected traffic1,308 by 2045
Trucks2%
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 Briceland Thorn RD over Vanarken Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Briceland Thorn RD over Vanarken 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 Thorn RD over Vanarken Creek carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Briceland Thorn RD over Vanarken Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Briceland Thorn RD over Vanarken Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.