US Bridges

Road 15 over Chowchilla River

Fair

Madera County, California · South Merced County Line · Structure no. 41C0066

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,051
1976 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 15 over Chowchilla River is a concrete continuous slab carrying Road 15 over Chowchilla River in Madera County, California. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 1,051 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,362 by 2041. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 15
CrossesChowchilla River
LocationSouth Merced County Line
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.15185, -120.27433
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,051 (1976)
Projected traffic4,362 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Road 15 over Chowchilla River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 15 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 Road 15 over Chowchilla River carry?

About 1,051 vehicles per day (1976 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Road 15 over Chowchilla River?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Road 15 over Chowchilla River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.