US Bridges

State Route 3 over Big Creek

Fair

Trinity County, California · 02-TRI-003-9.24 · Structure no. 05 0022

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,750
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 3 over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 3 over Big Creek in Trinity County, California. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 1,750 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,081 by 2046. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesState Route 3
CrossesBig Creek
Location02-TRI-003-9.24
RouteState Highway 3
CountyTrinity County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates40.55281, -123.14376
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,750 (2009)
Projected traffic2,081 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 3 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 3 over Big 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 3 over Big Creek carry?

About 1,750 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 3 over Big Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 3 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.