US Bridges

Purdon Road over South Yuba River

FairPosted for load

Nevada County, California · 2.0 MI S Tyler-Foote · Structure no. 17C0024

Built
1895
130 years old, rebuilt 1951
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
192 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
71
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Purdon Road over South Yuba River is a steel truss - thru carrying Purdon Road over South Yuba River in Nevada County, California. It was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1951, so it is 130 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 71 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 109 by 2041. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

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CarriesPurdon Road
CrossesSouth Yuba River
Location2.0 MI S Tyler-Foote
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNevada County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates39.32749, -121.04657
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating4.6 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.2 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic71 (2018)
Projected traffic109 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Purdon Road over South Yuba River built?

It was built in 1895, making it 130 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1951.

What condition is Purdon Road over South Yuba 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 2024.

How much traffic does Purdon Road over South Yuba River carry?

About 71 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Purdon Road over South Yuba River?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.2 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Purdon Road over South Yuba River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.