US Bridges

Elkhorn Road over Rancheria Creek

Fair

Mendocino County, California · 4.5 MI South of SR 128 · Structure no. 10C0201

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
165
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elkhorn Road over Rancheria Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elkhorn Road over Rancheria Creek in Mendocino County, California. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 165 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 121 by 2042. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElkhorn Road
CrossesRancheria Creek
Location4.5 MI South of SR 128
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMendocino County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.8611, -123.24147
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span62 ft (19 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic165 (2011)
Projected traffic121 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 Elkhorn Road over Rancheria Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elkhorn Road over Rancheria 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Elkhorn Road over Rancheria Creek carry?

About 165 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Elkhorn Road over Rancheria Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (19 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Elkhorn Road over Rancheria Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.