US Bridges

U.S. Highway 101 over Rattlesnake Creek

Fair

Mendocino County, California · 01-MEN-101-R83.99 · Structure no. 10 0029

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. Highway 101 over Rattlesnake Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying U.S. Highway 101 over Rattlesnake Creek in Mendocino County, California. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,263 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

CarriesU.S. Highway 101
CrossesRattlesnake Creek
Location01-MEN-101-R83.99
RouteU.S. Route 101
Coordinates39.8319, -123.61878
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
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 inspectionApril 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2009)
Projected traffic8,263 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 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 101 over Rattlesnake Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. Highway 101 over Rattlesnake 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. Highway 101 over Rattlesnake Creek carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is U.S. Highway 101 over Rattlesnake Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns U.S. Highway 101 over Rattlesnake Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.