US Bridges

Hearst-Willits RD over Eel River

FairPosted for load

Mendocino County, California · 5.4 MI N JCT Tomki RD · Structure no. 10C0070

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
341 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
66
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hearst-Willits RD over Eel River is a steel truss - thru carrying Hearst-Willits RD over Eel River in Mendocino County, California. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 66 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 75 by 2041. The structure is 341 ft (103.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesHearst-Willits RD
CrossesEel River
Location5.4 MI N JCT Tomki RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMendocino County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.49444, -123.20976
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.1 US tons
Inventory rating16.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length341 ft (103.9 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66 (2011)
Projected traffic75 by 2041
Trucks10%
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 Hearst-Willits RD over Eel River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hearst-Willits RD over Eel 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Hearst-Willits RD over Eel River carry?

About 66 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Hearst-Willits RD over Eel River?

The structure is 341 ft (103.9 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Hearst-Willits RD over Eel River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.