US Bridges

Road 26 over Madera Canal

Fair

Madera County, California · 0.25 MI S of Ave 26 · Structure no. 41C0094

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
285
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Road 26 over Madera Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Road 26 over Madera Canal in Madera County, California. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 285 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,095 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoad 26
CrossesMadera Canal
Location0.25 MI S of Ave 26
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadera County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates37.12318, -120.07451
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.
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic285 (2020)
Projected traffic1,095 by 2042
Trucks6%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Road 26 over Madera Canal built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Road 26 over Madera Canal 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Road 26 over Madera Canal carry?

About 285 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Road 26 over Madera Canal?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Road 26 over Madera Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.