US Bridges

State Route 1 over Albion River

Poor

Mendocino County, California · 01-MEN-001-43.74 · Structure no. 10 0136

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
969 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,100
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 1 over Albion River is a steel truss - deck carrying State Route 1 over Albion River in Mendocino County, California. It was built in 1944, so it is 81 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,182 by 2042. The structure is 969 ft (295.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 38.5 mi (62 km).

CarriesState Route 1
CrossesAlbion River
Location01-MEN-001-43.74
RouteState Highway 1
Coordinates39.22509, -123.7694
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+33 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length969 ft (295.4 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2009)
Projected traffic5,182 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed38.5 mi (62 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$9.8 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 1 over Albion River built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 1 over Albion River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 1 over Albion River carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is State Route 1 over Albion River?

The structure is 969 ft (295.4 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 1 over Albion River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.