US Bridges

Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River

Fair

Madera County, California · 0.7 MI N of Ave 28 · Structure no. 41C0035

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
259
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River in Madera County, California. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, younger 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 259 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 764 by 2041. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSanta Fe Blvd
CrossesChowchilla River
Location0.7 MI N of Ave 28
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.16448, -120.17481
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic259 (2020)
Projected traffic764 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River 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 2023.

How much traffic does Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River carry?

About 259 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Santa Fe Blvd over Chowchilla River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.