US Bridges

US Highway 50 over Alder Creek

Fair

Sacramento County, California · 03-SAC-050-16.46 · Structure no. 24 0033

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
115,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Highway 50 over Alder Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US Highway 50 over Alder Creek in Sacramento County, California. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 77 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 6 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 115,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200,261 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long and 110 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Highway 50
CrossesAlder Creek
Location03-SAC-050-16.46
RouteU.S. Route 50
CountySacramento County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.63631, -121.2063
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 length24 ft (7.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width110 ft (33.5 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic115,000 (2020)
Projected traffic200,261 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 US Highway 50 over Alder Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US Highway 50 over Alder 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US Highway 50 over Alder Creek carry?

About 115,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US Highway 50 over Alder Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 110 ft wide.

Who owns US Highway 50 over Alder Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.