US Bridges

Smith Creek over Baker Creek

Fair

Trinity County, California · No Data Entered · Structure no. 051459000001092

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

Smith Creek over Baker Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Smith Creek over Baker Creek in Trinity County, California. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 18 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSmith Creek
CrossesBaker Creek
LocationNo Data Entered
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyTrinity County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates41.11545, -122.49603
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation*: *
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating—
Inventory rating—

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smith Creek over Baker Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smith Creek over Baker 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Smith Creek over Baker Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is Smith Creek over Baker Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Smith Creek over Baker Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.