US Bridges

Surprise Valley RD over Owl Creek

Fair

Modoc County, California · 11.0 MI S of SH 299 · Structure no. 03C0080

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Surprise Valley RD over Owl Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Surprise Valley RD over Owl Creek in Modoc County, California. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 785 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesSurprise Valley RD
CrossesOwl Creek
Location11.0 MI S of SH 299
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyModoc County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates41.37974, -120.12452
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2010)
Projected traffic785 by 2041
Trucks9%
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 Surprise Valley RD over Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is Surprise Valley RD over Owl 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 2023.

How much traffic does Surprise Valley RD over Owl Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Surprise Valley RD over Owl Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Surprise Valley RD over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.