State Route 51 over American River
FairSacramento County, California · 03-SAC-051-2.61-SAC · Structure no. 24 0003
- Built
- 1954
- 71 years old, rebuilt 1966
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected November 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 1,890 ft
- 8 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 160,000
- 2010 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
State Route 51 over American River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying State Route 51 over American River in Sacramento County, California. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 71 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 160,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 233,995 by 2045. The structure is 1,890 ft (576 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was State Route 51 over American River built?
It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.
What condition is State Route 51 over American 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 November 2023.
How much traffic does State Route 51 over American River carry?
About 160,000 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is State Route 51 over American River?
The structure is 1,890 ft (576 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.
Who owns State Route 51 over American River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.