US Bridges

State Route 49 over Howard Creek

Fair

Sierra County, California · 03-SIE-049-R34.26 · Structure no. 13 0010

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
800
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 49 over Howard Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying State Route 49 over Howard Creek in Sierra County, California. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,326 by 2046. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesState Route 49
CrossesHoward Creek
Location03-SIE-049-R34.26
RouteState Highway 49
Coordinates39.61656, -120.59186
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2015)
Projected traffic1,326 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 49 over Howard Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 49 over Howard 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 49 over Howard Creek carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is State Route 49 over Howard Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns State Route 49 over Howard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.