US Bridges

ST Helena Road over Van Buren Creek

Fair

Sonoma County, California · 1.2 MI W Calistoga RD · Structure no. 20C0267

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,100
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST Helena Road over Van Buren Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying ST Helena Road over Van Buren Creek in Sonoma County, California. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 73 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 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,236 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST Helena Road
CrossesVan Buren Creek
Location1.2 MI W Calistoga RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySonoma County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.51232, -122.63768
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2015)
Projected traffic3,236 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 ST Helena Road over Van Buren Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is ST Helena Road over Van Buren 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does ST Helena Road over Van Buren Creek carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is ST Helena Road over Van Buren Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns ST Helena Road over Van Buren Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.