US Bridges

U.S. Highway 6 over Owens River

Fair

Inyo County, California · 09-INY-006-3.73-BIS · Structure no. 48 0024

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
110 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,550
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 6 over Owens River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S. Highway 6 over Owens River in Inyo County, California. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1973, 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 4,550 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,470 by 2041. The structure is 110 ft (33.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesU.S. Highway 6
CrossesOwens River
Location09-INY-006-3.73-BIS
RouteU.S. Route 6
Coordinates37.39858, -118.35613
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length110 ft (33.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,550 (2017)
Projected traffic5,470 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 U.S. Highway 6 over Owens River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is U.S. Highway 6 over Owens 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 6 over Owens River carry?

About 4,550 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 6 over Owens River?

The structure is 110 ft (33.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. Highway 6 over Owens River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.