US Bridges

State Route 20 over Bear River

Good

Nevada County, California · 03-NEV-020-41.28 · Structure no. 17 0022

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,650
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 20 over Bear River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying State Route 20 over Bear River in Nevada County, California. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older 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.

It carries about 4,650 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,623 by 2046. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

CarriesState Route 20
CrossesBear River
Location03-NEV-020-41.28
RouteState Highway 20
Coordinates39.30639, -120.67914
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,650 (2009)
Projected traffic8,623 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 State Route 20 over Bear River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 20 over Bear 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 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 20 over Bear River carry?

About 4,650 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 20 over Bear River?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns State Route 20 over Bear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.