US Bridges

State Route 46 over Cholame Creek

Good

San Luis Obispo County, California · 05-SLO-046-54.77 · Structure no. 49 0036

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
129 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,800
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 46 over Cholame Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 46 over Cholame Creek in San Luis Obispo County, California. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1979, 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 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 14,800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 22,069 by 2042. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

CarriesState Route 46
CrossesCholame Creek
Location05-SLO-046-54.77
RouteState Highway 46
Coordinates35.73301, -120.29026
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,800 (2019)
Projected traffic22,069 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 46 over Cholame Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is State Route 46 over Cholame Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 46 over Cholame Creek carry?

About 14,800 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is State Route 46 over Cholame Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 46 over Cholame Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.