FHWA NBI 2026 Inspection record Public-domain dataset

CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP

Carrying CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP over WEST FORK CARSON RIVER

0.1 MILE SOUTH OF S.H. 88, Alpine, 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.

Poor
24 t Inventory load rating

Bridge Snapshot: CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP

The CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP bridge in Alpine, California carries CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP over WEST FORK CARSON RIVER. It was built in 1938, making it 88 years old today. The structure is built primarily of steel and spans 1 section, stretching 16.8 meters (55 feet) end to end. Daily traffic averages 275 vehicles, placing it in the lower-traffic tier of California bridges. It is owned and maintained by County Highway Agency, the entity responsible for routine inspections and any needed repairs.

The latest FHWA inspection records show a deck rating of 4/9, superstructure at 5/9, substructure at 5/9 on the 0–9 NBI scale, where 9 is excellent and 0 is failed. The weakest component sits in poor condition, which drives the overall status of this bridge. Because at least one major component scores 4 or lower, the FHWA classifies this bridge as structurally deficient — a maintenance flag, not a closure order. Its NBI inventory load rating is 24.0 metric tons — the load level the structure is rated to carry at inventory (long-term) level.

In a county that maintains hundreds of NBI-tracked bridges, CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP 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 88-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 CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP compares

▼ 7.3
Load rating vs California average (31.3 t)
Bottom 19%
Lower load rating than 81% of California bridges
32
Bridges in Alpine · 2 structurally deficient
CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP 24.0 t
California average 31.3 t

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

Condition Ratings

Deck
4/9
Poor (1–4)
Superstructure
5/9
Fair (5–6)
Substructure
5/9
Fair (5–6)
Inventory Load Rating
24.0 t
NBI inventory level (metric tons)
SD Status
Structurally Deficient

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
1938
Material
Steel
Number of Spans
1
Structure Length
16.8 m (55 ft)
Deck Width
7.7 m (25 ft)
Owner
County Highway Agency
Avg Daily Traffic
275 vehicles/day
Structure Number
31C0013

Location

0.1 MILE SOUTH OF S.H. 88, Alpine, California
38.768794, -119.838997
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 1938, this bridge is 88 years old. It carries approximately 275 vehicles per day. Based on the most recent FHWA inspection:

  • The deck (driving surface) is in poor condition (4/9), showing advanced deterioration that may require priority repair.
  • The superstructure (beams and supports above the deck) is in fair condition (5/9), with minor deterioration that may require routine maintenance.
  • The substructure (piers and abutments) is in fair condition (5/9), with minor deterioration that may require routine maintenance.

Its NBI inventory load rating reflects the load level it is rated to carry. This bridge is classified as structurally deficient, meaning at least one major component is rated in poor condition. This does not mean the bridge is unsafe — it means it requires repair or monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the condition ratings mean for CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP?

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. CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP in Alpine, California has a deck rating of 4/9, superstructure rating of 5/9, and substructure rating of 5/9.

How often is CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP 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). CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP is part of the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the FHWA. With 275 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. CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP is currently classified as structurally deficient.

What is the inventory load rating for CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP?

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. CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP has an inventory load rating of 24.0 metric tons. 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 CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP?

Bridge ownership and maintenance responsibility varies — bridges may be owned by state DOTs, counties, cities, railroads, or federal agencies. CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP is maintained by County Highway Agency. 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 CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP and does age affect safety?

CRYSTAL SPRGS CAMP was built in 1938, making it 88 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