FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

SQ___ VALLEY CREEK

Carrying SQ___ VALLEY CREEK over YE'T ATWAM CREEK

NO DATA ENTERED, Shasta, California

FHWA NBI inspection record for this structure. Condition ratings, inventory load rating, span, deck width, and average daily traffic refresh annually with each NBI release.

Good

Bridge Snapshot: SQ___ VALLEY CREEK

The SQ___ VALLEY CREEK bridge in Shasta, California carries SQ___ VALLEY CREEK over YE'T ATWAM CREEK. It was built in 1970, making it 56 years old today. The structure is built primarily of steel and spans 2 sections, stretching 39.6 meters (130 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 50 vehicles, placing it in the lower-traffic tier of California bridges. It is owned and maintained by U.S. Forest Service, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show a deck rating of 7/9, superstructure at 7/9, substructure at 7/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in good condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. No major component scores in the poor range, so the bridge is not classified as structurally deficient under federal criteria.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, SQ___ VALLEY CREEK is one data point in a California inventory that FHWA inspects on a two-year cycle (more often when ratings fall). Bridge age alone is not a reliable safety signal — a 56-era structure can outperform a newer one when maintenance is consistent, materials are sound, and traffic loads stay within design limits. Use the condition ratings above, the sufficiency score, and the structurally-deficient flag together to read the bridge's real status, and check the linked county and state pages to see how this bridge ranks against its peers.

Every figure on this page comes directly from the Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory (NBI), the public dataset that catalogs more than 617,000 highway bridges across the United States and is updated annually from the records that each state Department of Transportation submits to the FHWA. The condition codes use the standardized FHWA Recording and Coding Guide, the same scale that determines federal eligibility for the Highway Bridge Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant set-aside for off-system bridges. A "structurally deficient" classification under those federal criteria is a maintenance and funding flag, never a closure order; states keep deficient bridges open with load posting, weight limits, or accelerated inspection cycles until rehabilitation or replacement is funded. See our methodology for refresh cadence and the exact NBI release vintage powering each record.

How SQ___ VALLEY CREEK compares

500
Bridges in Shasta · 10 structurally deficient

NBI inventory load rating (metric tons) and structural-deficiency status compared across California, computed live from the FHWA NBI.

Condition Ratings

Deck
7/9
Good (7–9)
Superstructure
7/9
Good (7–9)
Substructure
7/9
Good (7–9)
SD Status
Not SD

Ratings are on a 0–9 scale: 9 = Excellent, 7–8 = Good, 5–6 = Fair, 3–4 = Poor, 0–2 = Critical/Failed. Sufficiency rating (0–100) combines structural adequacy, functional obsolescence, and essentiality.

Structural Details

Year Built
1970
Material
Steel
Number of Spans
2
Structure Length
39.6 m (130 ft)
Deck Width
9.2 m (30 ft)
Owner
U.S. Forest Service
Avg Daily Traffic
50 vehicles/day
Structure Number
051461000001110

Location

NO DATA ENTERED, Shasta, California
41.144086, -122.170403
View on Google Maps ↗

Data Source

Data from the FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Bridge inspections are required every two years by federal law. Conditions reflect the most recent inspection.

FHWA NBI Program ↗

Condition Analysis

Built in 1970, this bridge is 56 years old. It carries approximately 50 vehicles per day. Based on the most recent FHWA inspection:

  • The deck (driving surface) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.
  • The superstructure (beams and supports above the deck) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.
  • The substructure (piers and abutments) is in good condition (7/9), showing no significant deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for SQ___ VALLEY CREEK?

Bridge condition ratings use a 0–9 scale set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ratings 7–9 indicate good condition with no significant problems. Ratings 5–6 mean fair condition with minor issues. Ratings 3–4 indicate poor condition requiring repair. Ratings 0–2 are critical, meaning the bridge has serious structural problems. SQ___ VALLEY CREEK in Shasta, California has a deck rating of 7/9, superstructure rating of 7/9, and substructure rating of 7/9.

How often is SQ___ VALLEY CREEK inspected?

Federal law requires most highway bridges to be inspected at least every 24 months. Bridges in poor condition or with known issues may be inspected more frequently (every 12 months or less). SQ___ VALLEY CREEK is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 50 vehicles crossing daily, regular inspection is essential.

What does "structurally deficient" mean for a bridge?

A structurally deficient bridge has at least one major component (deck, superstructure, or substructure) rated 4 or below on the FHWA 0–9 scale. This classification does NOT mean the bridge is unsafe for travel — it means the bridge needs repair, rehabilitation, or eventual replacement. Structurally deficient bridges remain open and are monitored. SQ___ VALLEY CREEK is not classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for SQ___ VALLEY CREEK?

The NBI inventory rating is the load level a bridge is rated to carry for an indefinite period, recorded in metric tons. A lower number means the structure is more load-restricted. It is distinct from the FHWA sufficiency rating, a separate 0–100 funding-eligibility score that this dataset does not include.

Who is responsible for maintaining SQ___ VALLEY CREEK?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. SQ___ VALLEY CREEK is maintained by U.S. Forest Service. The FHWA oversees the National Bridge Inventory program and sets inspection standards, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the owning agency. If you notice damage or safety concerns, contact your state DOT or call 911 for emergencies.

How old is SQ___ VALLEY CREEK and does age affect safety?

SQ___ VALLEY CREEK was built in 1970, making it 56 years old. Bridge age alone does not determine safety — condition depends on materials, design, traffic load, maintenance history, and environmental exposure. Many older bridges remain in good condition due to regular maintenance and reconstruction.

Disclaimer: Bridge condition data is from the FHWA NBI and reflects the last reported inspection. A structurally deficient rating does not mean a bridge is closed or unsafe for travel — it indicates the bridge requires repair or replacement. For current closure or safety information, contact your state DOT.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainBridges Editorial