US Bridges

State Route 273 over China Gulch

Fair

Shasta County, California · 02-SHA-273-10.97-RDG · Structure no. 06 0007

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21,400
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 273 over China Gulch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying State Route 273 over China Gulch in Shasta County, California. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1950, so it is 88 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 21,400 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,012 by 2045. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesState Route 273
CrossesChina Gulch
Location02-SHA-273-10.97-RDG
RouteState Highway 273
CountyShasta County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.50464, -122.37851
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,400 (2009)
Projected traffic26,012 by 2045
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 State Route 273 over China Gulch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

What condition is State Route 273 over China Gulch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does State Route 273 over China Gulch carry?

About 21,400 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is State Route 273 over China Gulch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns State Route 273 over China Gulch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.