US Bridges

Maxson Road over Watts Creek

Fair

Fresno County, California · 1.5 MI E Watts Valley RD · Structure no. 42C0132

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
67 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Maxson Road over Watts Creek is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Maxson Road over Watts Creek in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 100 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 158 by 2041. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMaxson Road
CrossesWatts Creek
Location1.5 MI E Watts Valley RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.92831, -119.33622
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2004)
Projected traffic158 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.1 mi (79 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 Maxson Road over Watts Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is Maxson Road over Watts 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Maxson Road over Watts Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Maxson Road over Watts Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Maxson Road over Watts Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.