US Bridges

Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail Creek

Fair

San Luis Obispo County, California · 2.67 MI W of Cypress Mt R · Structure no. 49C0246

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail Creek in San Luis Obispo County, California. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 213 by 2046. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCottontail CR RD
CrossesCottontail Creek
Location2.67 MI W of Cypress Mt R
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySan Luis Obispo County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.48796, -120.88521
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2010)
Projected traffic213 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Cottontail CR RD over Cottontail Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.