US Bridges

Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass

Good

Madera County, California · 1.5 MI E of Ave 7.5 · Structure no. 41C0056

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
241 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass is a concrete continuous slab carrying Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass in Madera County, California. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,415 by 2044. The structure is 241 ft (73.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAvenue 7
CrossesChowchilla Canal Bypass
Location1.5 MI E of Ave 7.5
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.85097, -120.31587
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length241 ft (73.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2020)
Projected traffic3,415 by 2044
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2022.

How much traffic does Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass?

The structure is 241 ft (73.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Avenue 7 over Chowchilla Canal Bypass?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.