US Bridges

State Route 3 over Mule Creek

Good

Trinity County, California · 02-TRI-003-48.53 · Structure no. 05 0056

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
865
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 3 over Mule Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying State Route 3 over Mule Creek in Trinity County, California. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 865 vehicles a day, projected to reach 741 by 2046. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

CarriesState Route 3
CrossesMule Creek
Location02-TRI-003-48.53
RouteState Highway 3
Coordinates40.86881, -122.81179
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic865 (2009)
Projected traffic741 by 2046
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 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 Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 3 over Mule Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

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

About 865 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 3 over Mule Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 3 over Mule Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.