US Bridges

48N48 over Lost River

GoodPosted for load

Modoc County, California · 3 MI E of Hopeless Pass · Structure no. 050956000003009

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

48N48 over Lost River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 48N48 over Lost River in Modoc County, California. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Carries48N48
CrossesLost River
Location3 MI E of Hopeless Pass
RouteFederal Lands Road 48N48
Coordinates41.98213, -121.16437
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation*: *
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating—
Inventory rating—

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 48N48 over Lost River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is 48N48 over Lost River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does 48N48 over Lost River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is 48N48 over Lost River?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns 48N48 over Lost River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.