US Bridges

Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough

Poor

Madera County, California · 0.2 MI NW Ave 24 1/2 · Structure no. 41C0041

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
479 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
1,446
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough is a concrete tee beam carrying Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough in Madera County, California. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 years old, older 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 1,446 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,896 by 2042. The structure is 479 ft (146 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChowchilla Blvd
CrossesBerenda Slough
Location0.2 MI NW Ave 24 1/2
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.10587, -120.23357
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadUnknown
Structure length479 ft (146 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,446 (2020)
Projected traffic2,896 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.8 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough 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 Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough carry?

About 1,446 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough?

The structure is 479 ft (146 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Chowchilla Blvd over Berenda Slough?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.