US Bridges

N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242

Poor

Contra Costa County, California · 04-CC-242-R3.24-CND · Structure no. 28 0249G

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,419 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
8,300
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242 is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242 in Contra Costa County, California. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 8,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,182 by 2042. The structure is 1,419 ft (432.5 m) long and 30 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN242-W4 Connector
CrossesState Routes 4 & 242
Location04-CC-242-R3.24-CND
RouteState Highway 242
CountyContra Costa County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates38.0039, -122.03654
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,419 ft (432.5 m)
Longest span181 ft (55.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,300 (2012)
Projected traffic9,182 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242 built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242 carry?

About 8,300 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242?

The structure is 1,419 ft (432.5 m) long with a longest span of 181 ft (55.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns N242-W4 Connector over State Routes 4 & 242?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.