US Bridges

Dogtown RD over French Gulch

FairPosted for load

Calaveras County, California · 3.9 MI N/O SR 49 · Structure no. 30C0048

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
84
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dogtown RD over French Gulch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dogtown RD over French Gulch in Calaveras County, California. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 84 vehicles a day, projected to reach 136 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesDogtown RD
CrossesFrench Gulch
Location3.9 MI N/O SR 49
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalaveras County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.12591, -120.57156
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating22.2 US tons
Inventory rating13.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic84 (2011)
Projected traffic136 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Dogtown RD over French Gulch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dogtown RD over French Gulch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Dogtown RD over French Gulch carry?

About 84 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Dogtown RD over French Gulch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Dogtown RD over French Gulch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.